Tag: daily
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What is “Fun” Supposed to Mean? “I’m just playing for fun…” What’s this “fun” thing all about? Can’t serious things be fun? It’s as if there’s some kind of inherent contradiction. Either it’s work, or it’s fun. I guess fun means anything that isn’t work… Is this a defense mechanism? Maybe you don’t want to really commit, because then it won’t be fun? After all,…
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Tension is a CHOICE
It’s not some random force that happens to you. The reason you get tense is because you are trying really hard to get it right. It’s not because of your posture, or because of your technique is wrong, or because you’re stressed out. It would be great if there were such a simple fix. It’s because you’re trying…
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Stop slacking off! You need to make PROGRESS!
If you grew up in modern society, like I did, chances are you have these two competing voices inside you. While you are practicing, one of them says “Work hard! Stop slacking off! You need to make progress!” Meanwhile, the other says, “This is so stressful! This is not why I signed up for this…I…
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You CAN’T Teach What You’re GOOD At
“I can’t figure out how to get my student to keep a steady beat! It’s so easy, but I have no idea why they can’t do it. What am I doing wrong?” Music teachers ask this kind of question all the time. Before I tear it apart, let me empathize with it for a second.…
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Music is NOT Frustrating
There’s no such thing as a difficult piece. Come on. Where does this idea even come from? OK, I know this sounds crazy, so let me try to put it into a little bit more context. When you say “this is piece is so difficult!”, what are you trying to say? Do you mean “if…
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Enjoying Your Mistakes
You have to enjoy your mistakes. This is non-negotiable. If you are spending all your time trying to prevent mistakes, this whole thing is going to become a drag, and sooner or later, you will just quit. Or worse…you won’t. “But, how can I enjoy my mistakes!? I hate making mistakes!” You will enjoy your…