About Practicing
Most people that have any education know that there is
homework involved with learning. I always have to stay on my students about
his. I have in the last six months, totally rewrote the entire Interlock book
and did 160 plus videos for Book 1.There really is not a way for anyone not to
know what to do, the real problem extends into all facets of our being. I find
that most everyone has a little problem with practicing.
The most likely issue is the fear of failure. I have
to deal with this everyday with my students, my friends, and myself! None of us
really wants to be bad at anything. I have a way of putting this into
perspective.
Even with the kids I have at Lupin Hill elementary. I ask
them how long have you been writing. Some, because they are literally first grade
do not have a great deal of time but most do. Even with the youngest, I tell
them you have had at least a year five days a week at doing this. Most it is
more. However, they come to the guitar and expect things to happen instantly
and that is not the case.
It always depends on the individual. There are those who
excel at everything and they are susceptible to all of the same problems that
everyone else has. More often than not, they just do not quit easily. I admit
over the years I have had “gifted” individuals that are amazing and just “get
it”. Almost everyone else has a learning curve before they “get it”
I was a difficult individual. My home life was tragic and
that is putting it mildly. I had a few teachers and mentors that did not give
up on me. They looked for the good things and helped me to understand that I
did have what it takes to be successful. I have become a very productive person
because these people put there heart into what they do as teachers and it
worked. I hope to do the same and help my students overcome the pressures that
are all around them daily.
I want to take an excerpt from the inside cover of my Interlock
book 1.
We praise we don't
persecute,
We compliment we
don't condemn,
We inspire we don't
intimidate.
Everything is one day
at a time!
My best advice for everyone is just relax give this time and
do not think about practicing just do it.
It will help if you make a time when you will do this and
stick to it. Have everything you need out and ready. Always you can call me and
ask for help, it’s okay. I am always ready to do whatever it takes to make this
as easy as I can. To the parents my best advice is communicate, communicate, communicate. Even when they will not
listen. If you do not talk to them, someone else will and that could be a big
problem. I always hear this, my son or daughter I do not see them practice. I
ask the student do you ever play in front of them so they can hear you. Almost
always is an emphatic NO! They are afraid of being criticized and young people
are very touchy about this. They are always very intimidated when someone is
observing them.
I cannot say this enough, support them even if they fail.
The worst thing that can happen is they stop trying. That will lead to a dead
end or worse. I hope I can shed some light form my side of the fence. I am on
your side and theirs too. I have to mediate this regularly and know from
experience one bad comment can end all of this instantly. I want the best for
all and I know because of my many years behind me we can achieve some level of
success and we all will be happy with that. Build confidence build respect and
build it together!
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