Here are a few things you might want to look at when you are feeling discouraged or looking for some inspiration:

BE A SUPERAGER

There was a great article in the New York Times last December about the importance of being frustrated and even angry as you are learning. Gee, have any of you ever been frustrated? Well, should it happen (Wait! What? It happens all the time? Ah... you are becoming a true musician!) OK then,WHEN it happens remind yourself that it is a good thing and that it is helping your brain stay supple! Worth a read: How to Become a “Superager” New York Times Sunday Review, Dec 31, 2016, by Lisa Feldman Barrett. -You can search for the above info or click on this link: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/31/opinion/sunday/how-to-become-a-superager.html

PRACTICE

(Click here to download a printable reminder of this practice reminder, then put it on your music stand!)

Slow Practice = Fast Progress
Fast Practice = Slow Progress
No Practice = No Progress

ON PLAYING BADLY

In order to do something well, we must first be willing to do it badly.

~Julia Cameron

To get good, it’s helpful to be willing, or even enthusiastic, about being bad.  Baby steps are the royal road to skill.

~From the book: The Talent Code:  Greatness isn’t Born.  It’s Grown.  Here’s How. ~by Daniel Coyle

The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those who sang best.

~Henry Van Dyke

TWO MOTTOS TO LIVE BY AS YOU LEARN

"Your Best is Good Enough" -- Most New Horizons Groups live by this one! (Learn more about New Horizons International Music Assoc)

"Not quite ready, but will be SOON!" -- NQRP Band motto.

A QUOTE ATTRIBUTED TO BEETHOVEN

“To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.” 

ON THE TASK BEING DIFFICULT BUT REACHING YOUR GOAL

All things are difficult before they are easy.

~by Thomas Fuller

Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.

~by Stephen King

Believe you can, and you're halfway there.

~by Theodore Roosevelt

What else should go here?? Send me things meaningful to you.