The music teacher: 'I pray for all my pupils'

My name is Roxana Walker, and I teach piano and violin. I work in primary schools two days a week and teach private pupils at home after school. Most of my private pupils are in secondary school and many are preparing for graded exams. I also teach a small number of adult pupils. At school, I teach 20-minute lessons, some one-to-one, others in pairs. At home, lessons are one-to-one and usually longer.

I’ve been teaching music for about seven years. Before that, I was a GP. For various reasons, including health and family, I felt that the intensity of medical work was not sustainable in the long-term. I began teaching a few pupils and was soon offered work in a local school. My background in medicine gave me strong communication and teaching skills, and my experience working with children at church also helped. It felt natural to bring these skills together.

I love seeing pupils achieve something they couldn’t do before and watching their progress over time. I particularly enjoy teaching pupils with additional needs and seeing how music supports their development and enriches their lives. There’s a great sense of achievement when pupils pass their exams. One of my mentors once said: “Don’t take all the credit and don’t take all the blame.” I try to always keep this in mind.

It can be challenging when pupils don’t practise, or lack motivation. At times, students struggle to grasp what I’m teaching, which makes me reflect on how I can adapt my approach to support them better. I’m also mindful that pupils may be facing challenges outside of lessons. Even if they’re not progressing quickly, having time for music can still be meaningful and therapeutic. 

I try to live out my Christian faith through my work. Every pupil is unique, and I aim to encourage not just their musical ability but also their confidence and self-esteem. With pupils who are shy or have additional needs, helping them grow in communication and self-belief is just as important.

I often teach Christmas carols, which naturally opens up opportunities to talk about their meaning or highlight something surprising in the words. I recently asked a pupil if they celebrated Easter, and they replied that they didn’t know what Easter was, so I was able to explain it to them. I’m not paid to evangelise, but I do pray for all my pupils. Please pray for wisdom as I support those who are struggling, and that I will continue to grow in skill and understanding as a teacher.