Quality VS Quantity... Why I do what I do

Hi Everyone!

A few situations happened this week that made think about the topic for this blog. Quality versus Quantity. What happens when you have too much Quantity? Does your Quality suffer? Many questions went through my head.

So, in an effort to explain how I do the "Quality VS Quantity"  thing and what I think that means, I am going to give you an explanation of exactly what I do. 

One of my students last week told me some people think classes and opportunities offered at park districts are somehow perceived as being of lesser quality than, let's say, a gym or a dance studio or a stand alone theatre company or a music school. He was quick to point out that he thought that way of many of the programs at the park district, but not mine. Although I tried not to let it bother me, it stung. I work very hard for the classes I teach there and to think some people believe the quality is less because I teach there really bothers me.

I have three degrees that qualify me to teach. Music Education, Musical Theatre and Music Therapy. I could teach for any elementary, middle or high school as well as private schools and colleges. I could definitely be making a lot more money! Have health insurance...benefits...the whole nine yards!! However, I CHOOSE to teach where I teach. I CHOOSE to teach the students I teach. You might ask why...

My fees at the park district are very reasonable. I do that so as many people can participate as possible. This economy is still shaky and the first "thing" to go is inevitably the arts. I want to be sure music and theatre are available to EVERYONE. I do "pro-bono" work and every single detail for my Musical Theatre Workshop, Young Actor's, Toddler Tap, and Glee Club is done by me. This keeps the costs down. 

You know what else it does? It makes me more invested in the kids who take my classes. I am able to make absolutely sure that each and EVERY child in my classes get an opportunity to show their talent...to shine...and it's MY job to make sure they are comfortable and happy doing that. I am able to focus on each of my students and make the experience the best I can possibly make it for THEM. Would I be able to do that in a school...college...? No way.

I may not have as many students as I would if I taught in schools...but one of my long-standing philosophies has been "Quality over Quantity". If I had quantity I would never be able to provide the "quality". And my "quality" is CERTAINLY not less because I choose to give it to the park district classes. I can safely say if you spoke with my SEASPAR students and my private voice students, they would say my "quality" is just as good with them as it is at the park district. 

EVERY ONE of my students- park district, private and SEASPAR are Heroes to me. They get on a stage and perform singing, dancing and acting for huge crowds. My SEASPAR Heroes performed in front of 400 people in December! My private Voice Heroes performed in front of 45+ people and my Acting and Musical Theatre Heroes performed in front of 50+ people as well! I have students ages 6-26 who put themselves out there all the time. And they trust me to show them the way. They trust me and have faith in my abilities to make sure they are prepared and confident enough to do this. 

I take this trust very seriously. That is why I insist and demand of myself to provide "quality" classes. Anything less than that would not be the "right" thing to do. I will always take Quality over Quantity. These kids deserve nothing less.

What about you? Do you have so much "Quantity" that your "Quality" is suffering? Which do you prefer...Quality or Quantity? Is it possible to have both?

Thank you all for reading my ramblings, yet again!!! I DO appreciate your taking the time to read! As always stay healthy, eat well and be happy!!!!