This month is all about Star Wars and this week is the last week of the 2025-26 year of lessons for the studio. So the force is the topic.
In Star Wars, “The Force” is the energy field that binds all living things together. We don’t really have that in music…..do we? I’d counter that with yes, we do. It’s called confidence. Let me explain
Confidence= The Force?
It’s not a perfect comparison, by any stretch, but it is something that can be tapped into. I tell students regularly that I can not give them confidence, but I can help them through techniques, practice, encouragement and performance opportunities to grow in confidence. You can typically hear the difference between a beginning musician, someone with a year of learning, and one who has spent years making music. What’s the difference? Experience, of course, but that leads to confidence.
Ending the Year
I see this time of year as a bit bittersweet. Sure, I have students who will not be returning to lessons in the fall, and I’m sad about that. But I find it to be a fun time to recount their learning and see how far they’ve come as musicians. It’s time for me to help them see their progress and brag on what I’ve seen in their progress. I root for each and every one of my students and feel it is my duty and responsibility to help them learn and grow as musicians.
I will have some students continue learning over the summer, and that excites me. Back in the olden days, I took summers off from lessons. And I realize now that it would have been a benefit to continue with that growth and feedback over the summer. While my mom still made me practice, it took me some time to get back into the swing of things when school started again.
For all of my students this week, I can say, “Yes, the Force (confidence) is strong in this one” because they’ve had the opportunity to learn and grow this year. And it’s been absolutely joyful to see. I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks of planning and prepping for the summer and then diving into summer lessons.
If you’re interested in joining the studio, you can find out more information at the Summer Lessons page.