We’re not sure when Anu Kumar finds time to sleep. In addition to pursuing a degree in neuroscience with double minors in psychology and music composition, the UT junior writes a column for the student newspaper and holds a leadership role in the Pride of the Southland marching band.

Oh! And she volunteers at the Joy of Music School, where she teaches flute lessons to our student Marcella.

Back in high school, Anu had worked with some fellow band members on improving their skills. But she’d never taught a true beginner until she began working with Marcella last year.

How’s it going so far? Great!

“It’s been a much more personal experience than I thought,” says Anu, who grew up in tiny Riceville, Tenn., about an hour south of Knoxville. “I thought I was just here to teach students how to read music and be better players. But it’s also about helping students move past boundaries they set for themselves, about getting over the fear of failure. The aspect of being a mentor, not just a teacher, was eye-opening. It showed me how much my own teachers influenced me.”

We have no doubt Anu is serving as a wonderful mentor to Marcella. We’re so glad she could find time for the Joy of Music School in her jam-packed schedule.

 

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