The Importance of Connection in Learning to Play
Published: Apr 21, 2017 | Category: Education
When a student decides that she's going to learn how to play an instrument, there's some kind of excitement driving the decision. Something about it is appealing to that student, and that something is really the most important thing in that student's musical experience.
Many students join Band because it simply seems like a fun thing to do. Maybe their friends are in, and they want to be there and not be left out. Some students start because they have a favorite song they'd like to be able to play. Others just like the sound of a certain instrument, or there's just some inexplicable appeal for them about playing.
Whatever it is that makes the student want to take up the path to music, it is important that every music student knows what it was that made them want to do music in the first place, and can connect to that original motivation.
Everyone who's tried to learn an instrument knows that it's a very challenging thing to do. There is an expiration date to the original excitement of getting an instrument and starting to learn - that "honeymoon" period where everything is new and fascinating. At some point, the student realizes that there is real work involved in learning, and in playing at the level that's necessary to play in the Band program. The daunting task of daily practice starts to eclipse the joy and excitement of what was once a new thing.
This happens to every musician who plays for a while, and yet, some musicians push through that "music is work" phase and become really excellent - some even ultimately choose music as a career! So what should you do when it becomes more work than play?
When I teach, one of my main objectives is to help my students enjoy playing their instrument. One of the best things I see is the "light going off" when a student plays something well that they couldn't before, or learns a new piece, or a new note… Those moments keep coming for those students who keep that connection with what makes them want to play!
Happy Playing!
Many students join Band because it simply seems like a fun thing to do. Maybe their friends are in, and they want to be there and not be left out. Some students start because they have a favorite song they'd like to be able to play. Others just like the sound of a certain instrument, or there's just some inexplicable appeal for them about playing.
Whatever it is that makes the student want to take up the path to music, it is important that every music student knows what it was that made them want to do music in the first place, and can connect to that original motivation.
Everyone who's tried to learn an instrument knows that it's a very challenging thing to do. There is an expiration date to the original excitement of getting an instrument and starting to learn - that "honeymoon" period where everything is new and fascinating. At some point, the student realizes that there is real work involved in learning, and in playing at the level that's necessary to play in the Band program. The daunting task of daily practice starts to eclipse the joy and excitement of what was once a new thing.
This happens to every musician who plays for a while, and yet, some musicians push through that "music is work" phase and become really excellent - some even ultimately choose music as a career! So what should you do when it becomes more work than play?
- Remember back to what made you start playing in the first place. Try to remember what it felt like when you decided you were going to learn to play your instrument. Maybe it was the excitement of joining Band and being with your friends. Maybe it was a recording you heard, or a video you saw, or a live performance. Connect with the thing that made you start playing!
- Don't be afraid to use some of your practice time just experimenting. Pull out a piece you've never played before and try it out. Make strange noises on your instrument - play around with sounds. Turn ahead in your lesson book and try playing something more advanced. Try to figure out a song by ear that you don't have sheet music for. Carve out a little bit of time for this. Have fun! There's a reason why we "play" an instrument!
- Go get some new recordings, or get some new music to play. If you don't know what to get, ask your teacher - they can help!
When I teach, one of my main objectives is to help my students enjoy playing their instrument. One of the best things I see is the "light going off" when a student plays something well that they couldn't before, or learns a new piece, or a new note… Those moments keep coming for those students who keep that connection with what makes them want to play!
Happy Playing!