The Relationship Conversation

Today I want to talk about a conversation created by Neil Moore of Simply Music and should be considered essential reading for most parents; the relationship conversation.
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I want to remind everybody the importance of keeping this at the forefront of your mind. To remember that piano is a long term relationship is very important. I hang the relationship graph provided sitting above my piano to even remind myself in those periods of lull.



So here's what I mean by relationships and piano; everybody is going to go through phases of motivation. The relationship graph states that sometimes things are going to be amazing/exciting (trend line up), stagnating and wondering if things are improving (plateau), and the occasional feeling of getting worse (valley). 

The thing is all these periods in the journey of playing piano are perfectly natural. The amazing novelty of Simply Music might fade after a time, and there will be instances where you as the parent have an critical role to play. You must remind your discouraged student that it isn’t going to be forever. Be their perspective! Remind them there are going to be good times again in piano. Remind them of all the previous wonderful experiences they have already had, and how far they have come.

You are assisting them and guiding them in perhaps their first ever long-term commitment. It's going to take some time to get used to it, but overtime the relationship graph will rest in their subconscious, they don't have to worry when they feel a stagnant energy in their playing. Just have faith in the process. 

I can’t tell you how many adults I have conversations with that tell me “I wish my mom hadn’t let me quit piano”. You have a choice when things get tough; what life lessons are you going to teach? For your children's sake, take this conversation to heart. Give them the gift of support. If you ever need assistance, I will do everything in my power to have your family cherish the good times, and keep moving forward even in the plateaus.

I hope this serves you.

Sincerely

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~ Y O U R ~ P I A N O ~ G U I D E ~ E R I C ~ R I N E H A R T~
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Licensed Simply Music Piano Educator -
Events Pianist -
Recording Studio Artist -

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