Music Blog

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

We can now look forward to a new year which, we hope, will be happy, healthy, prosperous, and peaceful.

The beginning of January is a good time to talk about that pesky subject: New Year resolutions. We say « pesky » because while they are undoubtedly sincere and well-intentioned, most of them get broken by the time Spring comes along.

Among the most common resolutions people make is learning a new skill or improving an old one. Very often this involves music lessons because, as we all know, music lifts our spirits and makes us (and everyone around us) happy.

But how can you make sure that your resolve to start music lessons in 2020 doesn’t weaken (or disappear altogether) as months go by?

Easy Does It

Psychologists say most New Year resolutions fail because we set unrealistic goals for ourselves. For instance, we resolve to run the New York Marathon, but we don’t train for it as regularly as we should, and then we get disappointed when we can’t make it to the finish line.

This is just one example of many showing how we sabotage our resolutions by aiming too high, too quickly.

It is much better to make resolutions that are realistic and achievable. For instance, instead of aiming for the marathon, you should start with jogging small distances several times a week, and gradually work up your stamina and endurance.

Stay Inspired!

How does all this relate to music lessons? Obviously, if you are a beginner, don’t set yourself an overly-ambitious goal of playing at Carnegie Hall anytime soon. If that doesn’t happen, you’ll feel disappointed and frustrated, and maybe even give up your music training.

Thinking big is good, but achieving your goals doesn’t happen overnight; it takes patience and practice. In other words, it’s one step at a time.

Here is what we suggest to keep your music-related resolutions:

1. Choose an instrument that best fits your personality, size, and strength. If you opt for something that’s too big, heavy, or just isn’t « you, » the lessons may not work out.
2. Choose a good teacher, one that is experienced, patient, and kind. This will ensure you get not only the instruction you need but also the support. We don’t mean to brag (actually, we do), but we have the most wonderful teachers who’ll come to your home or office to give you lessons.
3. Practice a little bit every day. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed by too much “homework,” but still make progress.
4. Enjoy your lessons! The more pleasurable your music experience is, the more your skills will improve and your appreciation of music grow.

We hope we have helped you keep your resolutions well into 2020, and beyond. And we join ABBA in wishing you all the best for the New Year!

Photo courtesy of pxhere.com