“Consistency is better than perfection.
We can all be consistent - perfection is impossible.”
If you have ever taken a music lesson, your teacher may have emphasized that you will need to practice to receive more from your lessons. A lot. And the conclusion has been if you are not practicing, then the age-old argument is, "why are you taking lessons in the first place?" The result. Many students quit.
It turns out that the old "practice makes perfect" adage may be overblown, and numerous research shows that a copious amount of practice may not be enough to explain why people ultimately differ in skill and interest. Let's not forget that the point in signing up for something was to learn!!!
Weekly Lessons are Enough!
It takes more than hard work to become an expert. Natural talent and other factors will play a role in mastering a complicated activity, like music. Practice may be essential to reach an elite level of performance, but there is a ton of research that practice isn't enough.
We have experienced that connecting to your weekly lesson and showing up for your weekly lesson is enough!
Students who show consistency in their lessons excel much faster, learn a lot more, and create a lifelong habit with music!
Quitters
I am always amazed at students who quit their lessons mainly because they don't practice. Quitting isn't going to "help" you practice. Quitting is giving up and deciding that you will never learn your instrument because you don't practice. When you stop, that ensures you that you never will. So why are you quitting?? I always furrow my brow and shake my head when someone quits their weekly lesson.
Weekly Lesson Practice Makes Permanent
Our students have realized that their weekly lesson IS THEIR PRACTICE. And the habit of showing UP for your weekly lesson creates a life-long habit for learning their instrument.
Research has shown that consistent, weekly lessons prove to be the main ingredient in staying with an instrument and continuing to LEARN how to play that instrument. Connecting with your teacher, asking questions, being guided through learning your instrument increases the desire and enthusiasm to practice outside your lesson. Consistency in your lesson is the most essential and permanent habit to ensure you understand your instrument.
We have all heard the phrase, "practice makes perfect." But really, practice makes permanent, and a weekly lesson creates a habit. Good habits are more important in learning anything, and giving up your weekly lesson WILL NOT make you practice. Just the opposite will happen.
Our Top 3 Tips for Getting to Your Weekly Lesson
1. Chose a time for your lesson that can be regular and permanent. Also, a time when you will not be rushing to the lesson.
2. Get to your lesson. Regardless if you have practiced that week. Your lesson is NOW your practice!
3. Have fun in your lesson. And remember, weekly lesson practice makes permanent.