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Making Assumptions

By Deborah Lee | July 8, 2008

I’ve noticed a pattern with some people, especially parents and music teachers. Many make assumptions about which child will do more with music than the other. I’ve had parents tell me that one child or the other will take music farther because they have a greater aptitude for music.

I am quick to set them straight. Musical ability is something that can be developed. It is not the only indicator of what a person is capable of musically. A person doesn’t follow a path based mainly on their abilities in that area. What drives the person is their passion and desire to follow that path.

This was true in my family. My sister was one of those people who picked up music quickly and had a good ear. In my family she was considered the musical one even though I was the one who practiced all of the time.

It took me longer to develop my ear and sense of rhythm. As a matter of fact, I was told that I should never sing and my band director wouldn’t let me march my first year because I couldn’t stay in time with the music. To add salt in the wound, my younger sister was marched that year even though she was only in 6th grade.

I didn’t quit, though. I ended up with a music degree and professional acknowledgement that I do have an excellent singing voice. I also became band director of the band where I wasn’t allowed to march my 8th grade year.

Music was so important to me that I pushed through despite the setbacks. Aptitude and talent did not do it. I was able to develop those things in myself through hard work and proper training fueled by my passion for music.

This is why I am so passionate about helping others find their musical voice. My circumstances could have robbed me of something very meaningful in my life. Many others are being robbed. Music belongs to everyone and no one should go through life believing they if they don’t have “it” then they have nothing. It’s not an all or nothing proposition.

I encourage you to be careful. Don’t take the joy of making music out of your life or the life of your children.

Deborah 

 

Topics: Encouragement, Family, Music, kids | No Comments »

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