“When one door closes, another opens. Or you can open the closed door. That’s how doors work.” I read this anonymous quote the other day and laughed until my sides hurt. I thought it was hilarious, cute, and adorable. But there was something about it that wouldn’t allow me to let it go. It kept gnawing at me. As I thought about it more and more, I realized it was hilarious, cute, and adorable, but it was also sage wisdom for every one of us and our students. As I reflected on those words, I realized that much of our work is helping students understand the optimistic view that other doors may open when one closes. But maybe just as important is for us to help them to discover that hard work, effort, rethinking a problem, and perseverance are needed to open some of those doors that have closed. It certainly made me think as much as it made me laugh. 

Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of Education
KHS America

About the Author

Dr. Boonshaft, Director of Education for KHS America, is the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling books Teaching Music with Passion, Teaching Music with Purpose, and Teaching Music with Promise. Dr. Boonshaft is currently on the faculty of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he is Professor of Music. He was honored by the National Association for Music Education and Music For All as the first recipient of the “George M. Parks Award for Leadership in Music Education.”