Jeffrey Grogan, Yamaha Master Teacher, is professor of music and director of orchestral operations at the University of Oklahoma City. Jeffrey Grogan is a Yamaha master educator, professor of music and director of orchestral operations at the University of Oklahoma City. Be prepared for anything, and I mean anything–even a horrible pandemic that will cripple schools across the country! The good news is that you’ll be inventing new ways for your students to learn and grow without being together in person. Go work with friends and colleagues to create a new educational paradigm that uses small groups and explores some of the best songs ever written. You’ll work with tens of thousands of talented students and experience maximum excitement by performing together in concert halls around the world. Then write a letter to “your” junior, giving advice, anecdotes, and inspiration for a successful career in music education. In the future, writing will be easy – everyone will have a cell phone with a video camera! You can use your phone to send messages and check your email like you have a computer in the palm of your hand. More importantly, your students and the people you meet and work with over the years will bring you indescribable joy. Pass that love of music on to your students as well. I know they love to “fix” things during rehearsals, but inspired students have superhuman abilities. I know how nervous and excited you get as you approach your first day as a music teacher – don’t let it show! Always keep the reasons that led you to become a musician and educator at the center of everything you do. Over the past 25 years as a music teacher, I’ve learned a lot about myself. You get digitally renowned artists and artists who engage in dialogue with your students. Do you have questions or suggestions for an article you’d like to see here? Send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript to view it. Although the experience can be painful, you will learn a lot about yourself and your students.