Stahlke Adoption

Music Education

In the 1920s, my grandmother earned a music education degree from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. She got married, raised a family, served as a pastor's wife, and spent countless hours as a church volunteer, even on the national level.  She and my grandfather eventually retired in Victoria, Texas.

After Grandpa died, her financial situation required some supplemental income. Without a teaching certificate in Texas, she could not get a regular teaching job, but a position as a teacher's aide in a music classroom was possible.

Most interestingly, the music students were all hard-of-hearing. Grandma taught them music using rhythm, dancing, and percussion instruments.  Her favorite method was placing their hands on the piano while she played, watching them experience the vibrations of the sound board.  She would have been thrilled to see the little girl playing the chimes yesterday.

posted by Stahlkes @ 12:09 PM