Sore Fingertips

Learning to play an instrument is easy for some.  For others, it is a real challenge.  Some instruments are easier to learn to play.  I did a little research (validity unknown) and found that the top ten easiest instruments to play are:  (10)  Tambourine , (9) Harmonica , (8) Double Bass , (7)  Clarinet , (6)  Piano, (5) Guitar, (4) Kazoo, (3) Trumpet, (2) Ukulele, and (1) Triangle.  What – no wood block!  I wonder why instrument designers chose the “triangle” and not the rectangle, rhombus, or parallelogram.  Why isn’t a “single” bass enough?  Those of you who play any of these instruments can respectfully disagree and here’s why – some people are more inclined to pick things up more quickly because they have “an ear” for music or their fine motor skills are incredible.  According to Rolling Stone magazine, the top 100 guitar players of all time are:  99 are tied for second and Jimi Hendrix is set apart as the consensus # 1 guitar player of all time.  Personally, I like Andy Vassar, guitarist of the former group, Misconception, a great son and father of my Grandson, Jude.  All guitars players have one thing in common – they all began with sore fingertips.  Learning to play is hard and your fingertips take a beating until they are calloused over and they are accustomed to the rigors of playing.

Some subjects may be easier to learn than others.  That varies among individuals.  Subjects that students enjoy are easier because of two things – they are easier for them innately or the teacher of the subject is outstanding.  How can the teacher be outstanding?  Make the material relevant to the student. Show them the connection between the daily goal and the long-term goals.  If the student does not see the connection, then there is a disconnect and you will lose the student.  Work hard on making those connections.  Engage your students.  Get them involved in their learning.  Get them out of their seats.  Make the world their classroom.  Be excited about the subject yourself.  If the teacher isn’t excited about the material, why should the students be?  It’s not hard to understand.  Find strategies that work.  What works for some kids may not work for others.  Differentiate.  Use high-yield strategies.  Throw away methods that get no return.  Make learning fun.  Challenge your students.  Great guitar players became great because they persevered.  They kept at it.  They worked hard.  They had sore fingertips.  Great teachers continue to work at their craft.  They keep at it.  They work hard.  They have sore fingertips.