Piano Lessons and Perfectionism


Are you a perfectionist? Does every note have to sound right before it
comes out of your piano? If so, you might be cheating yourself out of
the joy of music making. Most of us learned how to be perfectionists as
children, trying to please Mommy or Daddy. We wanted their approval so
we tried to get it right.

In the process, we learned that getting it right meant giving up
happiness. It wasn't enough that we could express ourselves musically.
We had to do a good job of it as well. As good as we could make it.
Getting all the notes right. Trying to please music teachers who could
care less if we were enjoying ourselves. All for what? To get a grade or
a "that's good?"

It's a shame but this happens all the time in music schools. It's not
until we become adults that we realize the damage that has been done. By
then, it's usually too late and most never pick up an instrument again.
What a pity that is. What a shame that we all must create to someone's
standard of what good is. And worst of all, when you finally achieve
that high standard, you are told that it is never good enough anyway.

The way out of this perfectionist's rut is to let go of the need to
please others and refocus on pleasing ourselves. Now there is room to
make mistakes and explore what art really is - namely EXPLORATION OF THE
UNKNOWN! Here is where the real adventure begins my friends. Here is
where excitement truly is! Not knowing what is going to happen next. Not
judging what comes out of us but being beholders of it all.

Improvisation is the key that unlocks this door. It is the one art form
that is invention from one moment to the next. Experience the joy of
improvisation and all need to get things right disappears. Just for a
moment you feel like the music is playing you. Isn't that enough?....

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