What Taylor Swift's Teachers Had to Say About Her As a Student

Taylor Swift's musical journey began long before she became a global superstar, stretching back to her elementary school days in Pennsylvania. CBS Philadelphia recently caught up with two of Swift's childhood teachers who reminisced about her early passion for music.

Barbara Kolvek, Swift's music teacher from first through fourth grade, fondly recalled giving Swift her first singing solo. "She always was writing poetry — always — even in music class, even when she shouldn't," Kolvek shared. She believes that even back then, the 34-year-old songstress showed clear signs of her future in music. "I feel like maybe I gave her a little spark or encouragement to do what she was doing," Kolvek told the news station, noting that they kept in touch for some time after Swift moved on from elementary school.

Heather Brown, who taught Swift in third grade, highlighted a distinctive charm about the pop star that made her stick out. "You always remember every student from the quality they have. Taylor's quality was just being she was one of those students where people just drew to," Brown explained. She continues to send Swift a Christmas card each year, though she suspects Swift might not receive them anymore. Brown expressed her awe at her past student's success, saying, "When she comes out on stage and everyone's screaming 'Taylor,' it's like, oh my gosh, like I was her teacher."

The release of Swift's 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, marks another milestone in her career, shattering records on Spotify. She secured the title for the most streamed album in one day, with the album's debut single, "Fortnight," setting a record for the most-streamed song in a single day.

The Bad Blood singer's blockbuster Eras Tour movie, has also set an impressive milestone. After launching her global tour in March 2023, Swift released the concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which shattered box office records upon its October release. Garnering $92 million in its debut weekend, it quickly became the highest-grossing domestic concert film ever, surpassing initial benchmarks. The film also set records during its advanced ticket sales, raking in $26 million and surpassing the previous record of $16.9 million held by Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021.