A former student of mine posted a statement on his Facebook page. He was commenting on the predictability of the typical New Year’s resolution of “I’m going to go to the gym.” Prior to NYE, he was lamenting the forthcoming human obstacles in his gym; most of whom would fall away by month’s end. In today’s missive, he confirmed his prediction that more space opened up for the regular workout crowd.
A similar thought confronts me on a regular basis: many musicians need to have a reason to practice. Sure, we might love music and our “chosen” instrument, but that alone won’t necessarily stand up to the force of “life’s duties” or the allure of “easy fun” when an alternative is to sit quietly with a metronome repeatedly clicking away.
This train of thought led my to a consideration of a couple of students have energy, drive, and a willingness to play, play, play. They don’t, however, have the drive to refine and improve their technique. A friend of theirs whom I taught for a brief span of time was more apt to actually listen to what I say, as opposed to play over me while I attempt to explain something. The unfortunate situation with the third student was that when other activities required him to be a way from home for quite-a-few camps and summer sports, the lesson and practice disappeared. His mother said: “He hasn’t touched his guitar since…” Well of course he hasn’t touched his guitar. He’s been on the move for two months and hasn’t felt the requirement of being prepared in some way because a teacher will be in front of him on Thursday.
I said a few months ago, I will have to continue to say it: “Every other week lessons, or taking a break from lessons, or something of a similar mindset is often the first step away from actual playing. One might say: “Well if little Billy isn’t driven to play, he isn’t that interested anyway…” That is often true. It also often, not true. The unfortunate facet is that the opportunity is frequently crushed by expectations and an unrealistic view of “practice” or even behavior in lessons.
Yes, we need to practice, but for most people, playing an instrument is an activity for fun. It will look the way it looks for that person. There’s no reason a lawyer, school psychologist, electrician, or fast food worker couldn’t or shouldn’t be an excellent musician, but we will develop when and how we develop. I would love for the enthusiastic players on my schedule to slow down, listen, and develop. I hope they’re on the schedule when and if they feel the need. I would also love for students (or parents of) to realize that maybe playing in a lesson and occasionally poking at an instrument at home is where other people will live their lives; there’s nothing wrong with that.
Music is communication. It’s communing with an auditory artistic venture, and other people…even if the other person is their teacher.
Alex Kelley 