What does it feel like when you are pushed out of your comfort zone? Are you someone who relishes the challenge or do you just want to run back to where you feel safe, but also where nothing ever changes?
Life is predictable here.
It can be a little bit like when you left school and got your first job. You were basically being pushed out into the big wide world of the unfamiliar. You probably felt feelings of apprehension and excitement at the same time, but you had to put your trust in yourself and others that it would all work out and you would be able to cope.
What we do know is if nothing changes, well, nothing changes. Imagine just staying at school for the rest of your life, year in, year out – no thanks!
Why don’t you admit it, it does get kind of boring living in this security zone, doesn’t it? It can be such a hard choice though, safety and feeling comfortable versus an EXCITING new path with amazing possibilities. You know you need to throw caution to the wind and TRUST that you can cope with the challenge but you still feel unsure and let’s be honest about it, unconvinced. Well, I guess you have a decision to make at this point. It’s completely up to you what your next step is. However, when you do choose to move away from this ‘safe area’ you like to inhabit you will be surprised when you begin to achieve unprecedented results.
So, how does all this apply to what I do? One of the requirements when you attend lessons here at Rhythm & Tunes Piano School is that you don’t take any written notes during the lesson.
I KNOW, sounds very bossy of me!!!
“What, I can’t take notes, you’re kidding!”, “There is no way I can remember” and “I have a different way of learning so I HAVE to take notes” are just some of the comments I hear from new students. Now, before you make a decision that this isn’t for you, I am only asking students to remember one very small fragment of a piece of music each week. I do write their homework on the board so they do have a set of notes to refer to for the week and they know what they need to do. They also have video support at home so they can watch most of the lesson as many times as they like. So, what’s the big deal, I hear you ask. Well, I wish I knew but I suspect this requirement brings up some slight apprehension that possibly links back to beliefs they have formed in previous learning environments.
I find after completing the first couple of levels this apprehension generally dissipates and they are completely on board with this style of learning. It is all about using procedural memory to play without needing the sheet music in front of you which is the best sense of musical FREEDOM you will ever experience, in my opinion.
If you would like to book in for a Free “Reignite Your Love Affair With The Piano” Introductory Session and find out how this can work for you too just email joanne@rhythmandtunes.com.au with your best contact number and I will be in touch with all the details.