Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks
This is such a busy time of year! I can tell that many of my students are feeling overwhelmed so far this fall– especially the ones that have just entered middle or high school. Let’s face it, with each year the demands of life get more and more difficult. The time needed for homework, projects, and studying increases as does the time commitment necessary for sports practices and other activities. As our music students get more advanced with their instrument, they really should start logging in more practice time each day.
If you are a multi passionate child with a lot on your plate, how do you know if music lessons should be a part of your busy school year activity load?
Obviously, as a music teacher who loves to spread the joy of music with as many students as possible, I am a bit biased about this. I believe with my heart of hearts that the answer is a resounding YES! Yes, of course music should be a part of your schedule!
The benefits of music education and lessons are countless. Lessons help with confidence and self motivation/self discipline. They teach you the power of working hard to achieve a goal. Your self esteem sky rockets through positive performance experiences, and quite frankly music students do better in school than their non music studying counterparts. I really could go on and on. I’ve seen so many positive changes in my life and the lives of my students. Because music uses your brain and your body on so many different levels, it’s really remarkable what it can do for you! Personally, I always chose music, and I am so glad that I did.
Now…. if you’re totally overwhelmed and feel like you should eliminate something from your life, here’s what I recommend:
- Give it a little time
It takes time to settle into a new school year. In my opinion this takes usually a good month at minimum. Allow yourself time to adjust to the new demands of homework, etc. Maybe after a few weeks, you’ll settle into a good groove of using your time wisely with homework and practicing, and you won’t feel any longer like you need to give something up. How great would that be?!
If after a month of school has passed and you’re still feeling overwhelmed, you can ask yourself the following:
- Which activities do I enjoy the most? Doing what truly gives me the greatest sense of pleasure and satisfaction when I’m doing it?
The answer may surprise you. I think so often in this day and age children participate in activities just because their friends do even though they may not like them very much. When I was a kid I played soccer for a year or two, but never liked it that much. Around DC, I notice that pretty much every child plays soccer, and it makes me wonder if they all really like it, or they are doing it because their friends do.
If there’s a clear cut answer when you’ve asked yourself the above questions, then your decision is made. If there’s an activity you don’t like as well, but were doing to see your friends or doing it because your friends participate, eliminate it. You can find other ways to see your friends outside of that activity.
If you still don’t know, my best recommendation is to simply pick something. Try out your new activity schedule without the activity you chose to eliminate. If everything feels good and right, then you’ve made the right choice. However, though, if you didn’t choose music and you really miss it, for heavens sake, come back to it! Just because you thought removing your lessons would be good, but it turned out not to be, doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind and come back to them.
****Remember: It doesn’t take perfection and endless amounts of time to still be able to participate in music lessons. You must be committed and be willing and able to find regular time for quality practice.
Do keep this in mind as well! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked to adults who have told me how much they regretted quitting their music lessons or other adults who never had the opportunity to try lessons in the first place and how much they wish they had been able to. Just one more thing to think about.
Now I want to hear from you. Are you considering taking an activity off of your plate? Which of the above suggestions or your own personal suggestion will you most consider when trying to make the decision? Leave a comment below, and share your thoughts. Thanks so much for reading! Please subscribe to the newsletter list and “like us” on Facebook. Have a lovely day!
Sincerely,
Cassie
PS- I’ve recently brought on 5 new teachers who among themselves can teach: piano, drums, guitar, violin, viola, and voice. If you’re interested in beginning lessons with us, contact us, as these openings are sure to fill up fast.
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