Page 11 - KC Cunningham Issue

Woman of Distinction

Making Notes

Jackie Watson loves the youth she immerses herself in. “So- tions, Mrs. Watson continues to encourage them, maintaining
ciety is for young people,” she says, worried that most people high standards. “I’ve learned that the struggles are not about
in her generation are lost in this new world of technology. me,” she comments. “Children are influenced by so much in
Growing up during the depression, to french im- our society, and I simply provide an outlet for them to keep
migrant parents, Jackie remembers being cold all the time. them on the right track.”
“We had to wait in long lines for food, but I would never frown Mrs. Watson does more than teach students, though.
on all the hardships we endured. Through them we found Aside from enjoying golf, bridge, and reading, each year she
our inner happiness and learned to love ourselves and ap- evaluates students from all over the county who participate in
preciate each other.” the Certificate of Merit for the Music Teachers Association of
Jackie was introduced to
music at the very young age of
four. It wasn’t until many years had
passed that Mrs. Watson recognized
the opportunity which was provided
to her by her Julliard-educated
teacher. By the time she did realize
it, she knew that music was her first
love.
Much later, when her two
daughters had left the comforts of
their “nest”, Jackie found herself
alone with many hours to spare. San Diego
Knowing she wanted to do some- Woman
thing that would not only fill her time,
but also fill a need for others, Mrs.
Watson turned back to music.
She quickly enrolled in 11
classes to update her knowledge.
Jackie was intrigued by all the won-
derful changes she saw in the field
of music education, but was tentative
at first. “I didn’t think I had the pa-
tience for teaching,” she now laughs.
At seventy-eight, Jackie
continues to study and learn while she teaches. She loves to California. In this rigorous examination, children are judged
watch small children grow into fine musicians. “Their lessons on sight reading, music theory and performance in levels
develop their confidence and become an impetus for better ranging from beginner, all the way through highly advanced.
things,” she notes. As she speaks of her students, pride and Over the years, Jackie has held every position possible for
love pours from her voice. the Association, providing a positive role model, not only for
Certainly, Jackie seems to be loved by her students the students, but also for many of the other teachers who
as well: Her home is filled with gifts, photos, and mementos volunteer their time as judges. “I’m proud to call Jackie my
made for her by the adoring students she has taught over the friend,” says Anna, a younger piano teacher who feels she
years. Regardless of the paths they have chosen, these has been influenced by Mrs. Watson. “She does so much
young people regard their time with her as the foundation for the Association and for her students, yet she is so humble
that helped them to develop their strengths and skills. about all she has to offer.”
“We have fun, although I’m not an easy teacher,” she admits. Jackie knows that she offers an important opportunity for
“I’m very strict, but I love my students and I know that what children. Even through the recession, she has more stu-
I offer is the best thing for them.” Jackie has learned to be dents calling her than before. “Music assuages the soul and
patient, laying their progress in the students’ hands. mitigates so many problems,” she says. “It is the nucleus of
Occasionally, in her Chula Vista neighborhood, she has a these wonderful children that will keep our world together.”
student who is troubled. Rather than lowering her expecta-
March/April 2010