Had a moment of clarity last night after speaking to one of my students.
Nicole is 12, very shy, and a WONDERFUL piano player. She learned "Harp Ballad" on her own, figured out the notes, timing, etc. I asked her to play the song for one of the other teachers at the studio; she said she didn't want to because she was nervous and she might make a mistake.
We talked for a bit. I offered lots of encouragement and some advice and explained that she should be proud of her hard work. When others listen to her play, they want her to succeed and do well. They are probably thinking to themselves, “Gee, I wish I could do that.”
When I asked her what was the worst thing that could happen, she thought a moment, smiled, and said, “I’ll make a mistake?” “Yes,” I said, “that is all that will happen.”
When it was time to leave, I asked her to think about playing her song for someone else next week. I cannot force the issue but have a feeling she will be fine with this. We’ll work on this every week. It’s not about “taking a chance.” It’s about believing in you and showing others what you can do.
Thank you, Nicole, for reminding me of a valuable lesson.
Nicole is 12, very shy, and a WONDERFUL piano player. She learned "Harp Ballad" on her own, figured out the notes, timing, etc. I asked her to play the song for one of the other teachers at the studio; she said she didn't want to because she was nervous and she might make a mistake.
We talked for a bit. I offered lots of encouragement and some advice and explained that she should be proud of her hard work. When others listen to her play, they want her to succeed and do well. They are probably thinking to themselves, “Gee, I wish I could do that.”
When I asked her what was the worst thing that could happen, she thought a moment, smiled, and said, “I’ll make a mistake?” “Yes,” I said, “that is all that will happen.”
When it was time to leave, I asked her to think about playing her song for someone else next week. I cannot force the issue but have a feeling she will be fine with this. We’ll work on this every week. It’s not about “taking a chance.” It’s about believing in you and showing others what you can do.
Thank you, Nicole, for reminding me of a valuable lesson.
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