Parents often encourage their kids to "follow their passions." This seemingly good (or at least innocent) advice turns out to have some problems. Certainly for some, it works well. If you are lucky enough to have a clear passion early on, and are supported in pursuing it, lucky you! Most, however, don't have such a driving passion early on, and as they are exposed to and pursue various interests, these pursuits inevitably become difficult at some point, leading to frustration, and some thought like "perhaps I'm not really meant to do this."
Below is an excellent article advocating for a different mindset. One in which we should allow passion to grow alongside skills. That as we overcome obstacles and acquire competence, passion tends to follow, usually connected with feelings of accomplishment and rooted in an earned self-esteem.
My thoughts in reading the article, of course, went to parents and young music students. I've been aware for a long time that this is, in fact, the real pattern. That students that somehow do enough work to build the skills of music-making are the ones who reap the many benefits, including in some cases a growing passion to make it central to their lives for ever.
Anyone who has practiced anything is familiar with the problem. One day you work on some spots and get them right; the next day, when you come back it feels as if you have to start all over. Sometimes this cycle seems to go on and on. If this is all too familiar to you, try this strategy. Your solution may just be a piece of cake! (chocolate for me, please)
just promoting some sure-to-be wonderful cello masterclasses that will be live streamed from the New England Conservatory. see this link.
all classes are 2-5 Eastern Standard Time and available through CelloBello.com
October 17
Paul Katz
January 23
Natasha Brofsky
February 6
Yeesun Kim
March 27
Laurence Lesser
Dana Gioia's 2007 Commencement address at Stanford University has been reprinted in several places and versions. The version below was in the Wall Street Journal (link).
