Just say “Yes!”

Music can open so many doors.  People are genuinely interested in how we make music – our instrument, ourselves, our repertoire.  And we should be honest – making music is a rare gift.  We are very fortunate.  Did you know that a Gallup poll indicated that 96% of adults surveyed thought music could be learned at any age?  Perhaps more surprising, a whopping 85% of adults wish they had had music lessons as a child!  And 70% stated that they’d like to learn to play an instrument.  Further, 66% stated that there were too many impediments to learning to play*.  And only 5% of adults are proactive and arrange to have music lessons in their own lives**.

That makes those of us who took up the harp as adults a rare breed!  And whether we were trained in music as children or came to our instruments as adults – we are making music and we are extraordinary!

You may not feel special.  You may not feel accomplished.  You maybe still comparing yourself to others and therefore maybe unwilling to share your music.  But maybe it’s time for you to just say Yes.

Yes – to those people who visit you and ask you to play for them.

Yes – to going into schools to share your instrument and your talent with young people who might not otherwise ever see or hear a harp – and certainly are unlikely to ever get to touch one!

Yes – to volunteering to play at a local care home on a regular basis.

Yes – to your local church or civic gathering.

Mostly, say Yes to yourself – Yes, I am a musician who is continuing to grow and Yes I will share with others.  Yes I will commit to investing in myself and my practice.  

Just Say Yes to plucking up the courage to do more with my harp!

* https://www.namm.org/news/press-releases/new-gallup-survey-namm-reflects-majority-americans%20

** https://gb.abrsm.org/en/making-music/4-the-statistics/

How to select a teacher

There are teachers all over the world so selecting one can be a challenge.  

Some are out of reach (they keep a very small studio or you’ve decided you wouldn’t be acceptable as a student).  Some aren’t a good fit (they don’t teach what you want to learn).  Some are just too far away.   

So how do you select the best teacher for you?  Look for these things:

• Approach – does their approach work with your way of learning?
• Level – do they teach at a good level for you? A little stretch is good but no support or a big stretch may not work for you.
• Time – be honest, do you have time for the lesson, the commute, and the expected practice?
• Cost – again, be honest.  This is a recurring cost, so plan for it.
• Content – do they teach what you want to learn?  If you are set on playing something specific (Folk? Orchestral? South American?) say so up front and work with someone who can help you get there.
• Personality – again, be honest.  You have to enjoy the teacher enough to spend the time.  Don’t work with someone you don’t like.  This is a biggie.  Don’t take it personally – they won’t!  If it’s not a good fit, ask for suggestions for a better fit!

Teachers teach because they genuinely enjoy seeing their students develop, grow and eventually outgrow them – take them up on it!

What about after the lesson?

Whew!  That’s over!

Hopefully you leave any lesson with your brain full.  That’s why the notebook and recorder are so helpful - they make overflow space!

But what you do after the lesson is also important, before all that good content falls out of your head.  Of course, you know you plan to practice and that will help, but what else could you do?  Here are some additional ideas:

• Think!  Away from your harp, really think about what you learned.  What has already escaped you?  Sometimes you’re not ready for what you learn – don’t worry, it will fall into place when you are!  What puzzled you? Make a list and try to fill the gaps.
• Review your notes.  That will fill a number of gaps.
• Review your recording.  That will fill additional gaps.
• Practice.  No really, preferably as soon as possible!  Really work what you learned into your head and your hands.
• Start a new want list.  Whether a regular lesson or the occasional workshop, get a leg up and start capturing what you’d like to learn next.  Of course this is always in flux, but it helps to keep it up to date. 

The lesson lasts longer than the hour - it will last as long as you work it in your head!