A Season of Ups and Downs

The summer has definitely flown by - faster then any of my life so far (or at least, that how it seems right now).

Highlights since I last posted:

• The Studio had its first recital - a very happily successful recital!
  
• I have officially been a small business owner and teacher for one year (as of July).
  
• You can now find the Studio of Stacy Bell on facebook as "the studio of Stacy Bell" (local business)
  
• My first student has auditioned for a college music program and begins her college education in a few short weeks.
• 5 students signed up for lessons over the summer.
  
• 2 students have moved discontinued lessons (one has moved to a private school and the other is taking from a teacher closer to home).
  

Overall, it has been an exciting year!

The fall is yet a mystery as I am waiting to hear from 4 students if they will return after their summer breaks. The unknown can be difficult but then again, knowing everything is boring! And with the unknown, God shows His great grace by giving His peace.

I believe that God brings students and their families across my path that He knows will learn from me (and that I need to learn from). It is so fulfilling to see them progress musically and to try to encourage them in the building of their world-view (whether it be from talking through sexuality and morality as they relate personally to my students or encouraging developing "simple" aspects of character like perseverance, discipline, and time management). I know that ultimately it is their view of God and His Word that will shape all the other aspects of their lives, but I learned (from two of my favorite teachers) to take people where they are at.

It is my great privileged to be a part of educating young musicians and to be a part of their lives.