Which step have you reached today?

I came across the above photo while attending a session at the biannual Suzuki Association of the Americas conference. I really liked it because it illustrates that the true challenge of learning is overcoming mental barriers more so than physical ones. The physical challenges are almost a moot point if a student is stubbornly stuck on that bottom stair.

Nicole Brady, who was presenting the session that had this picture, said that, for her, the picture displayed exactly why she wanted to have her children learn music. Being able to play a musical instrument was almost an additional perk. What she really wanted was for them to go through those mental challenges starting at a very young age.

Her session struck a chord with me because I completely agree with her. Imagine the limitless potential of each human being if we were each instilled with the tools to reach the top of that staircase.

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Like Brushing Your Teeth

One of my teacher trainers told me that practicing should be like brushing your teeth. There is never a day when your tooth brushing is affected by other events in your day. The process is completely emotionally detached. I mulled over her words of wisdom for quite some time after she said them to me. What struck me the most was the suggestion of emotionally detaching myself. All my life I have been told that music is supposed to express emotion. So it was almost like it would be wrong to try and strip that away. For me, the teeth brushing example was a very interesting concept. I realized that the level of habitual repetition of that daily routine is rarely achieved in any other life areas. Dishes get put off, vacuuming, shopping for groceries.... but I always make the time to brush my teeth. Always making the time for practice? A lofty ideal indeed.

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