"Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are." Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

After discussing my annual re-reading of The Gifts of Imperfection on the podcast this week, I have been thinking more and more about why I am so drawn to this work.

I'm tempted to think the process of learning a musical instrument is one big exercise in Authenticity.

(we all know musical study holds a treasure trove of character-building opportunities, but I don't think Authenticity often makes the list).

Based on the fact that you're in this community built around my podcast, I think it's safe to assume you care about helping each student find their own musical voice, and their own musical purpose.

(If you're looking for a community that supports training up armies of robot musicians...well, I don't know where to send you, but it's not here🙃)

As our students come to their lessons, they are inevitably trying to figure out what pleases us. It's an aspect of teaching easy to overlook: our students want our approval.

...but in seeking that approval, how many of them are getting lost in being the kind of musician they think they're supposed to be, rather than the musician they are?

Have you ever stopped to think that's a BIG part of why students hate making mistakes? They want to be the pianist, rather than the person learning to play the piano.

I understand this in my own playing, too. Just the other day, I sat down to practice and I gave myself permission to be the pianist I am in this moment, rather than the one I never measure up to in my own head.

Friends, the difference was nothing short of incredible. I am not exaggerating when I say, it's the most capable I've felt at the instrument in YEARS.

Sure, striving for high standards and pressing our limits is par for the course in MusicianWorld, but the vulnerability required to show up as our ACTUAL (very-human) performer/teacher/student selves?

I believe that to be the ULTIMATE practice in authenticity.

...and I'm moving forward this week, thankful to have been reminded that one of the best things I can do for my students is help them understand the beauty of showing up just as they are.

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TELL ME, FRIENDS: As a student, did you feel Authentic to your true self in lessons? Or were you plagued by that vision of the musician you thought you were "supposed" to be?

PS: No surprise, there's an episode for this! 023: Cheers to the Musician You Are Today​

Other Ways I Can Help You:

Monday Morning Power Hours Could you use a little accountability to get projects done? Patreon members receive access to Monday Morning Power Hours (11am - eastern time), where we gather to work together on whatever needs our attention. Some work on lesson plans; others clean their kitchens. Whatever YOU need done, it's definitely more fun to tackle these things together. We'd love to have you! Join the Patreon Community!

A Favorite Thing I know, I know... more sticky notes... But I can't help it! These pack a little extra enthusiasm and I just love them. Find them on my Favorites List

Can't-Live-Without Repertoire: It's no secret I love Carolyn Miller's work. This piece screams SUMMER to me and I love that it comes as a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD. So fun, so easy to get, so worth it. Get Yours Here

On the Podcast The Summer Bookshelf Tour continued this week, with our third stop: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. I re-read this (short!) book every January to remember hidden-truths about myself (and my students). Other Summer Bookshelf Tour recs are available on my Favorites page. Join me for my Three Takeaways

Studio Foundations: 6-week session If you're not afraid of playing a little catch-up, you can still join us this summer. We are in Week 2 of this special sequence and it has been A DELIGHT. Level-Up Your Teaching Game with ME this summer! Check it out!

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Don't forget to HIT REPLY and tell me YOUR thoughts on Authenticity in the lesson experience.

Cheers to each of us, and the ENORMOUS impact we share.

Want to check out PAST One Thought Thursdays? Find the Archives Here.​

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