Lifelong Learning: When Your Teachers Take Lessons Too!

Many of us remember the first time we saw one of our teachers “in the wild.” Usually this happened when we were quite young and were unable to grasp the fact that teachers were real people who had actual lives outside of our individual experiences with them in school. It was almost a bit of a shock.

That’s also why it often seems surprising to students that even teachers can still be learners. Lifelong, continued, and supportive education enhances our experiences and makes us better instructors. Starting something new or continuing our own education in other areas keeps us connected to what it’s like to be a student. We’re reminded of how it feels to be progressing in a subject we aren’t knowledgeable about yet. We remember what it’s like to be brand new at something and what both those “ah-ha” and “oof” moments feel like.

Summer Camp … for Adults?

The longer, sunnier spring days have us thinking about summer and new opportunities to learn. Sure, school is out for three glorious months, but there are places where we can still expand our education. For example, at summer camp*.

Summer camp is a highlight for many students, and believe it or not, for quite a few adults too. That’s right…there are summer camps for grown-ups.

Both Andy and I have had wonderful adventures at summer camps. Back in 2013, we attended the Rag & Bone Camp with the band Gaelic Storm at the Full Moon Resort in the Catskills of New York. 

To prepare for this experience, Andy studied Irish Whistle at the Center for Irish Music, and I took guitar lessons at Jim Harms’ My Music Store. At the end of every lesson, Andy and I would share what we were learning with one another.

We were especially fond of the Irish Tin Whistle. (So much so that we are now the proud owners of two Burke Whistles, known as the finest professional whistles available today.) We had an amazing experience at the camp, making lifelong friends who were scattered across the United States and with whom we still keep in touch to this day.

More Summer Camp Adventures

In 2014, we traveled to the island of Kauai, Hawaii for a summer camp focused on the Shakuhachi. At that time, Andy was mostly self-taught on the instrument, though he had taken a lesson earlier that summer with Double Grand Master Ronnie Nyogetsu Reishin Seldin at the World Flute Society Convention in Eau Claire, WI. 

The intensive camp on Kauai was located at the Waimea Plantation Cottages and included a concert by Grandmaster Riley Lee, Master Bob Herr, and Master Steve Cansano. The workshop concluded with all participants performing at the Lawai International Center on the island at the Pilgrimage for Compassion. It was a truly inspiring and informative experience.

This June, Andy is attending Shakuhachi Summer Camp in Claremont, CA to further his study of the Shakuhachi. Unlike the experience at the Shakuhachi Workshop in Kauai, this camp is well established and was previously hosted in the Colorado Rockies for many years. Andy is looking forward to a deeper connection with the Shakuhachi community along with meeting new people.

Even More Opportunities for Lifelong Learners

Along with summer camp adventures, both Andy and I love to explore opportunities to learn about a variety of topics and interests. These include classes at CrashCourse on YouTube with informative videos on everything from Biology to Art History to Mythology. We also gravitate toward learning to draw and drawing challenges as well as the annual Inktober Challenge and Sketchbook School on YouTube and Instagram, knitting and crochet instruction, and improving handwriting and calligraphy. We even have our own Instagram accounts to share what we create with others. (They’re family friendly!)

We have a passion for learning and consider ourselves lifelong students. We feel excited to consider all there is to know and discover in our great big, beautiful, and diverse world!

To learn about the exciting chance to broaden your horizons with music education, contact us at A Kopp Music.*2024 Summer Camp opportunities through the Music Masters Collective can be viewed HERE.