Excuses!

Today on @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday we have a prequel to a series on music theory. Before we begin the work, let's talk about how we work.More specifically, the excuses I get and have gotten over the years for not practicing or studying (u know who u are, lol).Excuse #1-I have no time.Ok,IMO most of the time, it is not about time, it is about time management.Setting goals, planning your practice ahead of time and being realistic on how much time you have goes a long way.I have had students with crazy jobs, new babies,etc.Some could only carve out 15 minutes a day..but were still able to move forward to some extent.Excuse #2-I'm too old or too set in my ways.I have had students of all ages and levels and, when they applied what I stated above, they improved amazingly. Pablo Casales(probably the finest cellist in human history)was interviewed on his 90th birthday and was asked why he still practiced.He stated,"because I believe I'm making progress" u dig? Excuse #3-There is so much material, I'm overwhelmed.The answer?Divide and conquer.Take subjects in small bites. Get the help of a teacher or friend.Understand, this is a lifelong journey and it takes patience and work. Believe me,I know this first hand. Excuse #4. It's boring. Yes,some things in the woodshed can be tedious.The key is to mix tedious with interesting and remembering the goal is to improve and the all work will ultimately py off. Excuse #5. This sh$t doesn't apply to me. Well, honestly,if you don't know it, or know how to apply it,how can this be valid?I have taught the same concepts classical players, death metal players. Professsionals to bedroom players and everything in between.All have seen benefit. You just have to keep an open mind and actively apply it to your playing style and situation.Excuse #5. I'm just (play for fun, for myself etc.).You don't need to be a pro or a superstar to want to improve at something,right? There is no pressure or timetable.Just grow, learn and explore! As always, I invite your insights.  #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #basslessons #remotelessons