In class, Anita gave us the opportunity to get together with groups and go over obstacles we’ve had when learning our instrument. I found this really helpful as some people had similar issues learning as well as finding the free-time to learn. We were reminded in class to make sure to treat this experience as an assignment, which is a good reminder as other things are easy to get in the way of practice. I am concerned that I am not playing as well as some of the others. I feel like I am trying my best but I don’t quite have a natural knack for it. I think that this is a good reminder for me, generally, I like when things come to me easily and I can get frustrated when these things don’t happen.

For my students that can be the same! A lot of them will get frustrated when trying something new and it can seem daunting taking on a big project like learning a new instrument. I want to encourage my students to learn new things and try despite how tricky it can be.

I also want to celebrate the little wins, so if I can’t play perfectly I will celebrate what I can do just like I would for any of my students who have been trying and wanting to succeed!