Cat lingered outside the music room after school, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. When she was 10 years old she remembered walking up here for the first time with her Mom for singing lessons, and now she was about to see her old teacher again, Mrs Dunbar, and teach her own class. These lessons happened every Wednesday and Friday after school hours, Cat often heard them happening while staying behind to practice her songs. But she'd long outgrown what Mrs Dunbar could teach, so beyond brief conversations with het old teacher, she'd not given them much notice. It wasn't until she'd talked to Cat last week about how she was 'getting much too old for this now' that Cat had offered to help her out. The agreement was that Cat would take over the Wednesday sessions, with them both doing it this week so Cat could learn the ropes. It wasn't for much pay, but it's exactly what Cat needed for a bit of pocket money, and plus it was fun! Teaching kids how to sing? That was exactly up her street.
Mrs. Dunbar, greeted her warmly as she walked in. "Excited for your first session?" she asked, smiling.
Cat nodded, clutching her notepad and music sheets. "A little nervous too," she admitted, laughing slightly. "Feels strange to be on the other side of things."
Mrs. Dunbar placed a reassuring hand on Cat's shoulder. "You've got the perfect voice and energy for this, Cat. These kids are lucky to have you." She left Cat to prepare, glancing back with an encouraging nod.
One by one, her new students filed in—mostly between the ages of 8-14, some starry-eyed, others a bit shy, clutching their sheet musics and staring up at her with awe. She recognised that look. It was the same look she used to have when she'd walk in for her lessons, eager to learn and nervous about every note. Starting with introductions, she went around the room, getting everyone to share their names and favourite song to sing.
Then came warm-ups, and Cat eased into her role with a newfound confidence. "Alright, everyone! Let's go through scales. I'll demonstrate first," she said, launching into a warm and steady scale that filled the room. Her students followed, their voices blending together, and Cat felt a thrill seeing how intently they listened and mirrored her tone.
After the warm-ups, Mrs Dunbar reminded them all of the song they'd been working on, and got them to all practice their individual parts. As they sung, Cat went around the room, she gave feedback, helping one student with her pitch and another with breath control. She realised how much she enjoyed passing on these small tricks, tiny adjustments she knew could make a world of difference.
By the end of the lesson, Cat felt an immense sense of pride and satisfaction. As she collected the sheet music and put away the stands, Mrs. Dunbar reappeared. "How was it?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
Cat beamed. "It was amazing! I think… I think I really helped them."
Mrs. Dunbar nodded, her eyes soft. "I knew you would. You've got a gift, Cat—not just for singing, but for inspiring."
As Cat walked out of the music room that evening, the familiar hallways of Hollywood Arts felt just a bit more special, knowing she was now helping a new generation feel at home there too.