How many times have we heard “It’s the journey, not the goal”?
Let’s think about that in relation to learning to play the piano. What keeps me motivated as a teacher are my students’ Ah Ha moments. The spark in their eyes, the smile erupting across their face, the exclamation OMG! or some such utterance. When they happen, I get to relive the time I discovered that musical concept too. An added BONUS!
If I had a magic pill that instantly made everyone a wonderful piano player, I would deprive them of that wonderful journey, the journey of Ah Ha moments.
If a piano journey becomes one struggle after another, with no Ah Ha-s, then a course correction is needed. A piano teacher can break it down into smaller steps, and an online practice buddy (preferably without commercials) can teach you by imitation. A goal like a performance can help you focus on what really needs to happen to push through whatever has you struggling. Proper practicing to keep you motivated and keep you on a good journey is imperative. (Blog Affirmations for Piano Practice).
Thinking of the inevitable struggles that precede an Ah Ha, I’m reminded of a poem,
I Wish You Enough. (I think it is by Bob Perks)
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
I will add two more from a piano point-of-view
I wish you enough Ah Ha moments to propel you on your musical journey
I wish you enough struggles so you enjoy the Ah Ha moments even more.
The Best Of The Season to everyone and may your 2022 journey be enough.
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