I’ve been performing most of my life, and my body still does it — even now. The signs start early, too. Not in the wings — days out. A little hum under the skin when I think about the date. The heart doing a small extra something during the last run-throughs. The difference between meContinueContinue reading “Stage Fright Is Normal: A Young Performer’s Guide to Nerves, Mistakes, and Actually Enjoying It”
Tag Archives: motivation
Private Lessons + JAM Camp: Why We Tell Parents to Do Both
A parent emailed last spring asking if JAM Camp was worth it when her son was already in lessons. Here’s what I told her — and why “isn’t lessons enough?” is the wrong question.
The Kid Who’s Bored in Lessons Isn’t Bored of Music
When a kid who used to love piano starts dragging their feet to lessons, parents assume they’ve lost interest. They almost never have. Here’s what’s actually happening — and the move that decides whether they keep music or lose it.
Mastering the “Messy Middle” of Learning a Song
How to Navigate the Awkward, Frustrating Middle Part of Learning When Progress Feels Slow If your child (or even you!) has ever started learning a song with tons of excitement, only to get stuck halfway through feeling frustrated or defeated—you’re not alone. I see this all the time, and I call it the “Messy Middle.”ContinueContinue reading “Mastering the “Messy Middle” of Learning a Song”
The Motivation Myth: Why You Don’t Have to Feel Inspired to Make Progress in Music
Many people believe that motivation is the key to success in music. They picture a student sitting down at their instrument, feeling inspired, and effortlessly playing for hours. But any experienced musician will tell you: waiting for motivation is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. If you only practice when you feel likeContinueContinue reading “The Motivation Myth: Why You Don’t Have to Feel Inspired to Make Progress in Music”