Rekha Pandya, a veteran Vocal Music Trainer from Mumbai
Given below is an excerpt of the interview where she shared her exciting and successful journey as a Vocal Music Trainer on UrbanPro.
Q. How you started your career as a Vocal Music Teacher?
Ans. I am passionate about teaching music as it gives me complete job satisfaction. I don't get tired of teaching music. I love this job since my teen years. I used to give lessons for academics during and after my college days. But once I was introduced to music, my academic lessons were replaced by music lessons. I started my career as a music teacher as I believe that by teaching music I facilitate thinking, engage minds, cultivate dreams, support struggles, encourage and listen questions and above all I learn a lot by teaching music every day.
Q. What skills and qualities do you think helps you stand out from other Vocal Music Trainers?
Ans. I always try to accept my students as they are and then I try to make them aware of basics of music. I also try to come down to students' grasping level. I never scare my students if they make mistakes, rather I always ask them to feel free if they have any doubts or any queries. I make learning music simple and enjoyable by giving examples from day-to-day life.
Q. How you came to know about UrbanPro?
Ans. One of my friend asked me to register at Free Classifieds on Google. While searching such websites I came across UrbanPro (which was known as ThinkVidya.com then). I registered at UrbanPro and since then I never looked back.
Q. How UrbanPro platform helped you to expand your Music classes?
Ans. UrbanPro gave me the global identity. Previously, it was like just local people were knowing me and now people around the world contacts me to learn music. I feel very obliged and proud to be a part of the UrbanPro family and giving me the Excellence Award for teaching music.
Q. What percentage of your work comes from UrbanPro?
Ans. 70% of my works come from UrbanPro.
Rekha Pandya, in one of her music classes
Q. What do you think makes a good Vocal Music Teacher?
Ans. To be a good music teacher, one should always try to teach at the grasping level of students and later raise their level of learning. Moreover, teacher should allow their students to blossom at advanced level (if students have caliber and wants to pursue the best in music) and to refer good teachers to them instead of making money from them.
Q. One piece of advice you would like to give to new Vocal Music Trainers on UrbanPro?
Ans. Now the era has changed and we just cannot remain stuck to Gurukul system or Guru Shishya Parampara. So never ever force your students to serve you anything else than music. Students are sparing their time, energy and money to cultivate the art and teachers are there for showing them right path. Also do not repeat your (teachers') same learning stories again and again that it was very difficult to learn in their times. Focus on teaching and shaping the art to the student. Also keep yourself updated as music and learning is never ending process in life. Be ready to accept the changes in music world too. Always teach, inspire, mentor, instruct, encourage, praise and influence your students.
About the Trainer: Rekha Pandya is a veteran Vocal Music Teacher whose love and commitment towards teaching music has made her one of the most sought after and loved Music Trainers on UrbanPro. She brings a total of 16 years of experience in teaching Indian Classical Vocal Music, Instrumental Music and Light Music and had played the role of ‘Judge’ and ‘Examiner’ in various music competitions and exams organized by various schools, colleges and university. Her students find her music teaching style very encouraging and fascinating, awakening the love for music in new learners. Rekha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mumbai University and completed her Sangeet Visharad from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.
