Skip to main content

Consistency and Learning


                                 

Continuity in any task or talent that we wish to master is key.     Just as only touching the instrument once a week will not bring on progression, nor will sporadic instruction.   Studies have been done that show that in order to master a skill it can take up to 10,000 HOURS to be an expert.  Compare this idea to sports practices and games. 

Beginners especially can learn bad habits, practice an assignment incorrectly and then have to unlearn it.   Questions will arise that may then be forgotten.  Posture, hand position, manipulation of instrument, bowing techniques, breath control, pitch reading and rhythm are all ideas that can be misinterpreted.  

It is also important to remember that progression and retention come with time.    To have a beginning student only see an educator on a specialized instrument or subject twice a month is a recipe (or rhythm) to disaster.   

In the same frame of mind, hopping from one instrument to another every few months is not learning.  A good educator will ask for a minimum of 4 months before it can truly be determined if your child has taken to the instrument.   

Here at Keys and Strings we truly have your potential musicians best interests in mind.   We will tell you at your assessment if they aren't ready.   We will tell you if we feel that their instrument of want is not the right choice right now.   And we will not just take your money by giving your beginner a once in a while lesson.    We will not compromise your musicians potential, and hope that families will appreciate our honesty and concern.

We do understand that sometimes finances are a factor.  We feel that we are competitively priced, keeping in mind our educators experience and education.  You are paying for your educators knowledge, expertise and time. 

Perhaps if your potential musician is so overbooked with activities adding one more part time activity isn't the best choice.   Choose one or two activities and do them very well.    Even if that choice isn't music.

 
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Back to School Limited Time Deals at Amazon

 I don't know if it's the teacher in me, but I always like to see what's new in back to school shopping.  I loved being a student, so that may be part of it too.  So I was looking at all the back to school deals, and here are some I would like to share with you.  I am an Amazon Associate, so if you were to purchase through one of my links (at no cost to you) I would get a small percentage.   What teacher doesn't need a box of  Pre-Sharpened pencils ?  Limited time deal 150 pencils for just $12.00! Every class subject needs their own  color folder Get prepared for the next decade with 100 folders just $16.00!  Limited Time Deal Pre School Teachers Alert! A 36 pack o f playdoh  just $19.99! Limited Time Deal Got to have more erasers, those tiny pencil erasers do not last long.  Limited Time Deal,  12 Eraser  box for just $5.54 What teacher, student or musician doesn't need s heet protectors ?  Limited Time Deal, 20...
Post a Comment
Read more

What recital means to me.........

Today's the big day. I never sleep well on 'Recital Eve'. Where'd the stands go, who took the pedal? We forgot to get the programs done? (Promise, they are done, and they are bigger than ever!) Recital to me is so many different things. I always have flashbacks to four years ago when I was so afraid it was my last recital with my 'kids'. Or the triumph of three years ago (I'm still here!). I remember Jay M's first recital, with his crouch like bow and huge smile. Jillian's realization that she did a GREAT job and then how it was even better for me when she invited me to her Christmas Pagent and she played the organ just a few short months later. Or the time Rachel stopped half way through....the entire time I was thinking that has the phrasing but doesn't sound exactly right............and she FLIPPED THE PAPER from top to bottom. Oh how we all laughed on that one. In my mind, there are 130 different stories just like this one. I have been blesse...
1 comment
Read more

Commitment

Learning an instrument takes commitment. Commitment from the student (to apply their newly taught techniques at home)  It takes 10,000 hours to master any new skill.  That's a lot of music making. Commitment from the parent.  Bringing the student to their lesson weekly, on time.  Giving their student a comfortable, well lit place to practice.  Helping their young musician be patient, learn time management, apply reading of pitch and addition/subtraction of rhythm counting. Just as importantly, commitment from their teacher.  Commitment to be there, waiting with a smile.  Commitment to be prepared, and attentive.  Commitment to CONTINUITY.   To be a good teacher takes talent, knowledge and skill.  To be a GREAT teacher, you must always make it about your students first. Commitment to the students, is what Ms. Sandie, Ms. Joanna, Ms. Doreen and Ms. Stacey are all about.
1 comment
Read more