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It's that time of week again: time for your scheduled piano lesson. There's just one problem: You don't want to go. In fact, you're dreading it. What should you do?
First off, reconsider why you're taking piano lessons. Are you taking up the piano because of your love of music? If so, that's great! The first part of the equation is settled.
Next, are you studying the piano because you love the instrument; how it sounds, the way it plays? Do you love how creative you can be with a set of keys in front of you? Do you love the possibilities for creative musical expression a piano allows? When compared to other instruments, do you keep leaning towards the piano?
If you answered yes to all or some of these then you've solved the second part of the equation.
So, what have we concluded? We've concluded that you love music, and, you love the piano as a tool to create music.
Therefore, there's hope for you and your piano lessons.
Now, you have to decide how you can make lessons enjoyable, again.
Here's a few ways to make piano lessons something to look forward to each week:
* Be prepared. One big reason people start to hate their weekly lessons is that they do not practice. What results from not practicing at all, or enough? One, you don't make progress as a piano player. Secondly, because you see no growth in your skills you conclude lessons are a waste of time. Therefore, lack of piano practicing causes a chain reaction. The chain reaction ends with distaste for weekly lessons. You have to remember practice makes perfect - or at least progress. When you see yourself making progress, lessons will have a purpose.
* Make sure you're studying what you want to learn. It's fine, and necessary to learn the fundamentals. It's wise to learn about the masters of the past, whether classical, jazz, or whatever. It's also wise to learn the style of music you love. It's probably the reason you signed up for lessons in the first place. You're desire to imitate and create music in the genre you love is important. It will keep you interested in learning more. When you want to learn more you will look forward to your lessons.
* Consider your relationship with your teacher. Is he or she approachable in the context of offering guidance? Do you feel they're going through the motions at lessons, not concerned about your progress? Do you fear asking questions because their attitude intimidates you? Are they sticklers about teaching you only what they want to teach you? Do they have no regard for your musical interests? Again, if you answered yes to one or some of these you may want to consider a different teacher. A teacher can be the difference in whether you love or hate piano lessons.
* Are your lessons convenient for you in terms of time and location? This is so basic, and yet so vital. You're busy enough in life. You're trying to meet deadlines at work. You're trying to get the children to all their activities. Is the time or location of your lessons just another hassle? Don't let that happen. Make your piano lessons a creative respite from your regular weekly duties. Make it your time, at your convenience, when you have the time. If it's a hassle to get to lessons because it's too far away, consider in-home lessons. If you're rushed getting home from work and then to a lesson, consider a later time.
* Lastly, know, as with anything in life, that there are natural highs and lows. Nothing always goes smoothly. There will be weeks when the piano seems like a block of wood in front of you. No matter what you do it won't respond the way you want it to. There will be weeks when you feel like you're the second coming of Mozart. Every key you touch blossoms with beautiful sound. On the bad weeks, you may feel like shying away from lessons. On the good weeks, you won't be able to get enough of learning. The key is to keep an even keel; ride out the tough weeks knowing the good weeks will return. With a balanced approach, you will look forward to your lessons.
Piano lessons can be enjoyable on a weekly basis for both adults and kids. It just takes a proper attitude, a proper perspective, and preparation. |
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