Practice Makes Perfect

I worked with a talented young musician today. He is one of my piano students. We will call him Joey.

Joey is coming to the piano as his second instrument. His first instrument is violin, at which he is very good. He has been playing violin since 4 years old. Joey becomes discouraged very easily when it comes to practicing piano and is prone to giving up when a passage is challenging. He immediately says “I can’t do it!” In my observation, Joey is a very talented, capable and musical young man. I think that he could play well any instrument that he put his mind to. I have said this to him many times to no avail.

Well…today, Joey played a difficult passage that he has been struggling with for a several weeks. After many hours of practice, it came easily to him today. It was a miracle and the expression on Joey’s face made that abundantly clear. Joey was verklempt! He got up from the piano bench and literally jumped for joy!

I was very excited for Joey and we high-fived each other. I think that Joey has new-found respect for his ability as a pianist. He has begun to understand the true meaning of perseverance. My motto has always been:

Effort will release its reward only after you refuse to quit!

Kudos Joey…you’re on your way!!!

About gretapope

Dr. Greta Pope has enjoyed a three decade career as an in-demand entertainer for corporate events, as well as public and private events of all types. She has performed throughout Europe, the Far East, South America and the Caribbean, as well as in the United States and Canada. Dr. Pope is a published author. Her book is entitled Music, Money & You; Managing the Business. It is used in the Chicago Public Schools and is available at booksellers nationwide. Dr. Pope is President/CEO of Greta Pope Entertainment, Inc. since January 1991. The company is in the business of Entertainment Production, Publishing, Recording and Educating. Greta Pope Entertainment products include the shows Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, American Songbook, American Jazz in Paris and International Intourlude. The most recent Greta Pope Entertainment, Inc. production is the very popular MOTOWN...Pride of the Motor City! show. For more info visit www.gretapope.com Dr. Greta Pope is the founder of the PrivateMusicStudio.net, where she offers Business Education products for Singers, including Business Courses, Business Consultations, Voice Lessons and Piano Lessons. She also hosts The Business Savvy Singer Podcast. For more information or to join the "tribe" of Business Savvy Singers, visit www.privatemusicstudio.net

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