Messing with your head

A last minute change of plans.  I was going to write about the re-release of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, but just as I was leaving Facebook I saw a meme that said, "Avoid people who mess with your head".  And I immediately thought, "But I mess with people's heads all of the time.  It's my job."

As an artist and performer it's my responsibility to create an alternate reality for you to visit.  Someplace where you can momentarily escape to.  A place where you can safely love, laugh, cry, mourn, or fantasize.

As a teacher it's far more involved.  I don't simply provide information.  Any number of books can do that as well as numerous websites.  Nope!  I can show you how to do something, monitor your attempts, and correct you when necessary.  More importantly I will tell you when you're doing something right.  It's not always easy to tell sometimes, so it's reassuring to know when you're on the right path.

Very young students just enjoy the process.  They don't like to practice at home but they do like to come to lessons.  It takes awhile before they realize that the more they practice the faster they learn.  They are so used to adults doing everything better they can't visualize themselves getting that good.  For most, however, there is an "a-ha" moment when they accept that they can do it.  Their subsequent confidence is exciting.

Most adult students have always wanted to learn to play but have very low expectations of themselves.  They're too old, too busy, too dumb.....take your choice.  It's my job to show them that it is simply a process and a journey.  If they can learn to enjoy both then they will play music and exceed their own expectations.

For all of my students I not simply an instructor, but many times a confidant and always their personal cheerleader.  The lesson studio is a place to learn, grow, and express yourself.  Your dreams are not silly and may become realistic goals if done right.  For some I'm also their coach.

This world spends a lot of energy telling folks that they aren't good enough.  The message seems to be:  "You can do anything you want.  Ok, maybe not YOU but some people can.  YOU are just not quite good enough. Sorry."  So my task is to shatter that notion.  Not just to tell you, like a bumper sticker or meme, but to really convince you.

Playing music well, like so many other things, is a process.  If a student is willing to provide the effort I will provide the pathway and accompany them along the journey.  I will do everything that I know how to do to convince my students that they are talented and smart enough.  Including messing with their head.