You Can't close Your Ears!

You Can Close Your Eyes But You Can’t Close Your Ears!

A good part of my job is reminding students to practice at home and to listen to the reference recordings. I ask students each class if they have practiced and listened to the CD. Often, a student will say that “there was no time”.

There is no doubt that life is hectic. Despite the time limitations that may be presented, one can never allow themselves to use the excuse of “I don’t have the time.”

Sacrifice, creativity, and efficiency are what can help separate you from the pack. Five minutes of daily practice may not be enough to be an accomplished musician but it is a realistic goal. For those days that are truly too busy, try to find time to listen to the reference recording. In the case of Suzuki violin studies, the Suzuki Violin School volumes have reference recordings that accompany the books. When there is no time, I recommend listening to these recordings. Your learning environment can be created anywhere via your iPod, or CD kept in the car CD player. Other reference recordings are audio books. Free mp3’s can be found at LearnOutLoud.com

Above all, be efficient and focused in your pursuit of success. We all have 24 hours each day – take advantage of each one. There are numerous ways to maximize your time. Regardless of what methods you choose, never succumb to the temptation to make excuses for any lack of success you experience.

You can learn music at the same time as performing other activities; just play the CD in the background. Playing music is easy and fun with ear training. Focusing and interpreting sheet music while attempting to play is much more complicated. Your mind (“the ear”) will however, play the music on your “inner hard drive”, hence “You can close your eyes (or look away for an instant) but you can’t close your ears!

Committed to Your Musical Success,

Richard Trumbo,
Director
Music House, Inc