Now I don’t know much about music in general – no less the piano – but I have been astounded at John’s rapid progress over the past few months.
He plays everyday, but I would say never really more than for an hour. And I don’t have to *tell* him to practice either. He jumps right on the keyboard first thing in the morning – and whenever we get home from being out all day.
It’s quite simple. You take away the brain-shrinking evils of television and video games….and all of a sudden books, art, hobbies, and all kinds of productive, creative endeavors become their *outlets*.
I used the keyword *everyday* above. The more I study the habits of success, the more I appreciate the power of learning momentum. Many, many of John’s peers in town also play the piano (and chess). BUT they quite frankly don’t have the time or energy to enjoy the fruits of daily practice – given the obscene inefficiencies of outsourced education.
Oh yeah, another key is that my wife and I also happened to find a tremendous teacher who is extraordinarily passionate about the piano. If anyone local (Long Island/NYC) is looking for a teacher, try that link, or email me on the side for his contact info. Take it from me, a teacher (private, math), instructors are hardly all equally adept.
Most have ridiculously low expectations – they don’t assign homework or push kids, ever-fearful to lose the *business*…
I am continually warning my kids’ teachers, at first, that they will have to step it up to match the children’s intensity. And John insists “Mr. Jonathan” is the *best*!
Recently an art teacher tried to tell me that children can’t *sketch objects* until they are 9 years old or so. GIVE ME A BREAK. I think my eyes rolled 10 revolutions before they stopped.
I said, “You probably think 7 year olds can’t do calculus either, right?”
