Wednesday, April 19, 2023 by William Suit | Uncategorized

I'm looking at the calendar in utter disbelief. Today is April 20th.  Where did the time go?  I also noticed that I haven't blogged in weeks!  For shame!!!!  If I could turn back time......

We are a few days away from announcing accomplishments for the "year" at Pedal Point Music.  I'm always excited and apprehensive, because I know how very hard most of our students work at reaching goals in their respective musical areas of study.  There are some students that demonstrate outstanding talent and dedication to such study.  The reward for all of it is in the love for the music!  

I remember more than once having a parent whisper in my ear, "My child responds well to rewards."  Well, it's not my place to tell people how to parent.  (Although I've been there myself and know a few things about it.) However, rewards can't be a constant motivation to true accomplishment in music.  At some point, the "heart" of playing or singing needs to kick in.  That's a huge reward!  It is intangible and hard to abandon.

One of the greatest joys I have in teaching piano is when the parent comes to me and says, "I didn't even have to tell my child to practice this week.  I heard the piano and there I found my child doing it willingly!"  To me, the quicker we can get to this point, the steadier the progress toward stated goals and independence at the keyboard.

So, over the next few days when awards and recognition takes place, even if you don't get one, step back and bask in the love you have for your music.  Embrace and walk away with that!  No one can take that away from you readily.  Own it and love what you do at the keyboard, guitar or microphone.  You are a musician and I am so proud to have you studying with us at Pedal Point Music!

Will