Each time I ask a student; "what is music?" , invariably the answer I get is "It is something that makes me feel good, something that gives me peace"
Right from a child of 4yrs to people who are in their late sixties, the answer remains the same.
Seeking the very joyous feeling, students join music training, looking forward to enjoying notes and sounds. First few months are beautiful, every time something new is learnt, the student gets a kick, a sense of achievement. It also satisfies their ever so curious mind, so all is well and lovely.
It is in the mid-journey at the learning curve that things seem to get really boring and slow. Well, it is in this phase that the difficult training begins, where a lot of effort from the student's part is required. Those who can get through this phase, zoom ahead in the coming years.
Yet, the motivation to practice music is very low. So here I am to help you make things interesting again.
To all parents of kids learning; as well as elder students, first and foremost please recall the very reason you started music training.
If it was peace of mind, if it was to feel good, then music should not be a pain to you. And that will be true if we know how to use our skills to enhance our lives.
1. We need to Change the way we look at practice. Please, it is not another burden, another goal you got to achieve. It is something to make you feel good. So get to your practice happily.
2. Have shorter practice durations but on a daily basis. That is much more effective than once or twice a week practice. 30mins per day is a good time for beginners and intermediate students.
3. Parents and family need to make music fun for kids, by listening to them play or sing and celebrate them.
4. Every weekend; for dinner play for your family, create small concerts for your friends and extended families.
5. Next time for a birthday wish; play a song for your grandparents, friends and relatives.
6. If you are bogged down by exam syllabus and stress, that is when you need your music the most. And that is the very time you abandon it. Even if you have exams, 10 minutes of playing music can give you a breather and relax your mind.
In my decades of teaching, I have known that students who continue with their music even through competitive exams perform far better in both academics as well as arts.
7. Listen to good quality music (peppy songs, classical music, folk music) while doing mundane activities like cleaning up, making the bed, polishing your shoes etc.
Its will make you feel rejuvenated.
If you have any more ideas how you can make your practice better and fun, do let me know.
Meanwhile, enjoy your music.
Loads of Love,
Sanna.