New Era music teacher wins national award

A music teacher at École New Era School has been recognized for her leadership in music education and commitment to helping children develop a lasting love of music.

Wing Chow, who teaches kindergarten to Grade 4 students, received the Royal Conservatory of Music Teacher of Distinction Award for Manitoba during the organization’s Celebrations of Excellence ceremony at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on Sunday afternoon.

The award recognizes active Royal Conservatory of Music teachers across Canada and the United States who demonstrate exceptional creativity, leadership, innovation and student mentorship.

“It’s a recognition for all my years of hard work, and also an encouragement for what I still hope to do,” Chow, who has 25 years of music teaching experience, told the Sun on Sunday.

“The award is the first national teaching honour I have received from the Royal Conservatory of Music and I am grateful, honoured and overwhelmed by the recognition.”

For Chow, music education extends beyond teaching students notes, rhythms and techniques.

“I want to use music to teach children how to become a good citizen and make them believe that whatever they want to do, they just need to try hard and they can achieve,” she said.

“I hope students will develop good work habits through music lessons and carry those skills into whatever they pursue in the future.”

Chow said the award will inspire her as she continues her teaching career.

“My goal is to continue to give students opportunity to learn music and make music education more inclusive and accessible, and make sure that every child can feel that there is a place for them in music,” she said.

Chow also credited the people who helped shape her career, including her parents, who supported her music education and instilled in her a belief in the value of learning.

She also singled out her first piano teacher, Margaret Hung, for inspiring her love of music and her decision to become a teacher.

Chow recalled Hung’s message that music teachers can do more than teach musical skills.

“A music teacher can inspire a student to believe in what they are capable of becoming,” Chow said, recounting her former teacher’s words.

She also thanked her husband, Alan, for supporting her work and volunteering at school concerts and studio events.

Her students, however, remain central to how she views the recognition.

“This award may have my name on it, but I feel that it belongs to all my students,” Chow said. “They have taught me just as much as I have taught them.”

She also acknowledged her colleagues, music friends, the Brandon School Division and New Era School for providing opportunities to continue teaching children.

Despite receiving the award, Chow said she does not expect it to change her approach to teaching.

“I will continue to do what I think is good for the students,” she said.

Although she has spent only six years teaching in Brandon, Chow has worked in several provinces. Before coming to Brandon, she taught in Alberta and Ontario, as well as in Thompson, Man., where she spent two years.

Her Brandon teaching experience includes two years at Linden Lanes School before joining New Era.

The RCM Teacher of Distinction (Saskatchewan) was won by Gail Murray. Murray has dedicated 57 years to teaching piano and theory in Weyburn and Yellow Grass.

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