Learn To Practice – Step 7: Learn At Your Own Pace

No matter how well you practice your instrument and music, some things will always be harder for you and some things will always be easier for you. There will always be someone you know who can easily do what you find hard. There will always be someone else who finds what you do easily harder for them. It is important for you to learn at your own pace, not at someone else’s pace.

You will have to spend more time working on whatever is hardest for you. That’s just the way it is. Practicing what comes easier for you will not be difficult. Anyone can do that, and they usually do. You must have the desire and discipline to face your problems head on, figure out the solutions, and then work on them until you can do them well. This is where great musicians live. They are always concentrating on strengthening their weaknesses. Overcoming difficulties is where greatness is found. There are many examples of people turning their worst weakness into their greatest strength.

Learn at your own pace. Work at it until you can do it, however long it takes. Don’t be surprised or frustrated by difficulty; expect it. Greatness doesn’t come easily, no matter who you are. Music stays fun for those who love a challenge. Perhaps you will turn your worst weakness into your greatest strength, too. You are the only one who can do it for you.

Copyright Norlan Bewley 1999

Learn To Practice – Step 1: Say In Rhythm, Stay In Rhythm
Learn To Practice – Step 2: Identify The Notes
Learn To Practice – Step 3: Rhythm Positions
Learn To Practice – Step 4: Practice In Bite-Size Pieces
Learn To Practice – Step 5: Intelligent Repetition
Learn To Practice – Step 6: Keep Going!
Learn To Practice – Step 7: Learn At Your Own Pace