It's been so long since anyone has blogged here! Personally, I've been working toward the completion of my music degree at Kennesaw State University. I just finished this past semester and am so excited to get back to my life and building my business.
When I first started to conceptualize In Tune Studio several years ago, I wanted to create a space that was not strictly for kids. I wanted a space that an adult could walk into and not feel out of place. I had worked at that type of school before and I knew that what I would create would feel different.
It does feel different! And I'm so proud of what myself and my co-workers have created. But there's one obstacle that we all keep experiencing as teachers- adult student droppage. I don't know what else to call it. But here's how it goes:
1. The adult student signs up for lessons and is very ambitious, excited, and dedicated to learning
2. The adult student takes a few weeks or even months of lessons.
3. The amount of practice time starts to dwindle. You know...life gets in the way!
4. Lesson attendance becomes inconsistant at best.
5. DROPPAGE OCCURS (cue dramatic music).
So we're left asking ourselves how we can prevent this. How can we as teachers motivate adult students to continue and work through the rough patches of life to do something for themselvse. Something that can ultimately bring them great joy!
The irony of this is that I am also an adult student. Finishing my degree while running a business has been one of the toughest challenges of my life. Finding time to practice, study, and work left me with no time for myself. Now that I'm moving on, I hope to be able to continue to find time for my music in the midst of being an adult left to her own devices!
I encourage any adult who is considering music lessons to try it out! Take the time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it. Let it be an escape from your daily routine and find beauty in your learning process and in the struggle, mistakes, and ultimate successes you'll encounter along the way. It's totally worth it if you give it a try.
Thank you for this very interesting topic. I wonder if one would imagine what kind of pleasure he wants to have when he is sixty four? Physcially there is not much one can do. Playing guitar is still possible. That is my motto. I am very thankful that I still enjoy very much in playing guitar. And has it in my hand rather than a crutch :) Note: I am not 64 yet :) Happy guitar playing. Thanks again for your inspirative posting. I enjoy it very much.
ReplyDeletesandybali
I find I tend to go through stages where I am enthusiastic about the instrument then life gets in the way, then I come back to it, and the cycle starts again.
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