Please enjoy this guest post from Dyane Protzmann Rogelstad, a longtime supporter of Teach Music 21C. Thanks Dyane for sharing your reflections.
Have you ever had a mentor or teacher who recognized your potential before you could see it yourself—someone who gently nudged you onto a path that would shape your future in ways you never expected?
I think back to when I was 15. My mother, a seasoned piano teacher, asked me to teach a group class of beginning readers from her studio. Despite having studied piano all my life and performed at an advanced level, I had no clue how to lead a group of energetic 8-year-olds.
What did she see in me that I didn’t yet see in myself?
Perhaps she understood that knowing how to play wasn’t the same as knowing how to teach. Maybe she sensed that I would find joy in connecting with children, or that this experience might awaken a lifelong curiosity and love for teaching. Whatever her reasons, she was absolutely right.
That first class changed everything. It taught me that skills and knowledge, while important, are just the framework. Over time, I’ve learned that the art of teaching is built on so much more: clear communication, creative thinking, business savvy, and the ability to ask thoughtful questions. These are the muscles and heart that bring our work to life—and they grow stronger every year, often thanks to insights shared by trusted colleagues and mentors.
So, do I have any regrets?
None at all.
I remain as curious now as I was at 15—open to growth, change, and even the occasional failure. I’ve learned to forgive myself for missteps, real or imagined. I try to stay flexible, to breathe through challenges, and to truly listen—to my students, their families, and my fellow educators. When a new idea sparks—whether it’s a better way to explain a concept or a creative twist on a familiar routine—I take it straight to the studio. My students and their families are eager collaborators in this ever-evolving experiment.
Teaching continues to surprise, challenge, and inspire me. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
Written by Dyane Protzmann Rogelstad
