Music Authority Family News for January 26, 2021

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - January 26, 2021 Slow and Steady Sometimes, it's hard to see progress (or deterioration) when it is slow and steady, spread out over the time span of many months.  I occasionally talk to parents who feel frustrated that their child isn't improving because they can't play Moonlight Sonata (or Back in Black) yet. Quite often, the problem isn't that the student isn't progressing, it's that the progress is steady, but slow.  Some kids will have a sudden burst of inspiration and jump ahead quickly, only to plateau while new ideas are assimilated into their skill sets.  Most will improve a little at a time, week over week, until they can play more advanced pieces of music. I never realized how drastic the slowing of time can be until this afternoon.  I lost my dog, Freddy, in August.  He'd developed a degenerative disc disease that first took his back legs from him and then later caused the beginning of organ failures.  It was a slow process - the first signs were in October of 2019; we lost him in August 2020.  In between, there were lots of happy, loving moments, and gratitude that we were able to get him a wheelchair and have him with us at the office twenty-four hours a day. This week, I went back to watch all our old, iPhone videos from the past year.  I saw the videos where he first started tripping on his feet.  I watched him learn to balance himself differently when he stood.  I relived the last few times he was able to wander around the kitchen on his own feet.  I cheered all over again when he first zoomed around Music Authority in his wheels.  And I realized how drastically he'd changed in the course of a year.  He went from a fluffy, eleven pound dog that loved life to an eight pound, elderly dog who still loved life but struggled to get around.   While it was happening, I didn't see it.  I didn't see him losing weight.  I didn't see the sadness in his eyes.  (He had lots of happiness, too.  He loved his wheels and wagged his tail, his ears bouncing happily on his last walk only an hour and a half before he crossed the rainbow bridge.)  The point is, I was so close to the change that I didn't realize it happened until it was over. How does my story connect back to lessons? Your smartphone is the best tool you have to gauge the progress of your student.  Take a video of them playing.  Do it today.  In three months, when life is stressful and you're wondering if there's a reason to continue in lessons, watch that video.  Do you see progress?  Can you hear a difference?  Are the notes clearer?  Can you see more confidence?   We take selfies and videos of everything around us.  Why not of your students playing?  In a few months, you might look back and really be surprised. Melissa A. Loggins, Owner #MusicAuthorityFamily Click Here to Log In to Your Lessons Account Upcoming Student Recital: Moon River It is time for your student to show off their skills at a recital?  Our next recital is: Moon River February 20, 2021 6:30pm Seating is limited to assure social distancing and very limited spaces available.  All guests must wear masks. You can register at the front desk at Music Authority. Taylor Guitars on Special Music Authority has a few older model Taylor guitars that we are clearing out.  If you'd like to get a great deal on a new Taylor guitar, stop by and see what we have. Both American and Mexican made models are available on special. Summer Camp Spotlight: Rock Camp, Jr. Rock Camp, Jr. is a fun start to your summer!  Campers make crafts, play games, and learn music to perform in a concert on Friday for parents.  COVID rules will apply - masks required, social distancing, limited participation, and the concert will be live broadcast so family and friends can watch from the safety of their homes.  Ages 5-10; Cost: $275. June 14-18, 2021 10am - 1pm Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here! Beyond is full of energy and ready to play some gigs in 2021.  We're hoping for safer conditions and more opportunities this year.  This is their high energy rendition of Ballroom Blitz from New Year's Eve. Click Here to see what events are coming up at Music Authority Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*