Do you remember the first time you picked up your instrument? The excitement, the energy, and the sense of adventure? It was the greatest feeling in the world, and for many musicians, it was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Like most friendships, there are great memories, challenges, and even some frustrations. 

ESYO Senior and Symphony Orchestra's Principal Oboe, Anna Ryu, described the ins and outs of her relationship with the oboe. "There are times when my instrument frustrates me,” said Anna. "But regardless of the trivial frustrations that inevitably accompany the times we play together, I am grateful for the beautiful experiences and shared memories it has given me – frustrations, happiness, and all.”

Music teachers stretch our ears, stimulate our imagination, and challenge us to listen more than we play. From the first note played at a lesson to the first concert experience, school music teachers guide young musicians through all the squeaks and squawks, screeches, and wrong notes captured within the walls of many a beginner’s practice room. They are the first to teach a young musician the tricks and techniques of playing a musical instrument. School music teachers often help match an instrument to a young person's ability and interest. Anna suggests the music teachers show young musicians, like herself, that the world of music is larger than what they can play. Anna recalls, "In hindsight, I realize that [my music teachers] left me with a heightened feeling of excitement, motivation, and gratitude for playing my instrument." Though she admits that “it might've been hard to see it at the time."