Lessons are the Bridge
Learning to play an instrument is an amazing accomplishment. Showing up for lessons every week and exercising the discipline to practice – all while balancing other activities – is a huge feat! However, when we keep our heads down in an effort to stay focused on our daily disciplines, we might begin to feel as though lessons and practice time are the end goal or all there is. And while this is an incredibly natural feeling, it could not be further from the truth!
Rather than practicing an instrument just for “practice’s sake,” we can approach it with the understanding that our lessons are, in fact, a bridge to the actual end goal: making music that connects us to a more vibrant, thriving, and healthier version of ourselves—and to deeper relationships with others.
How does learning to play an instrument strengthen us and our relationships?
Engaging in practice fortifies our brain power and gives us the freedom to express our thoughts and feelings in a constructive way. This allows us to communicate clearly, problem-solve more effectively, and overcome more challenging tasks in both school and work. What’s more, music is a special tool that we can use to comfort and bring happiness to others. Whether joyfully jamming with a friend or playing peacefully for someone walking a journey of grief, we can use our talents to create meaningful connections with those around us.
So, when we find ourselves discouraged and losing sight of the magical world on the other side of the “lesson bridge,” we can be encouraged that our practice time will indeed pay off. We can envision all of the wonderful ways music applies to every area of our lives. We can look inside ourselves and use music as a tool to cultivate our hearts and minds. Then, we can turn outward and use our skills to make the world a better place!