Vision boards in the private music lesson…

If you could describe the absolute BEST musical year for yourself, what would you say? What would your imagination see? When you think about that best year for yourself, what are you feeling and where in your body are you feeling it?

These are questions I love to ask students at the beginning of the school year, at the beginning of the new year, or when their motivation is low. I call this exercise: Vision Boards.

Sometimes students can only see and feel the present. They lack motivation and direction, and they have trouble articulating what they really want. My goal is to let the student discover what they want, articulate it, form a joyful and sustainable plan that supports their goals, and then provide a support system and structure that is helpful for their success. 

Asking the question, “What do I want?” is a powerful tool to unlocking that dream. Then asking, “What are the actions and attitudes I need to get what I want?” is where our work as student/teacher begins. A dream is the engine in the car, and the actions and attitudes to support that dream are the keys to start the car. Once a student takes ownership of those keys, they will see their dreams and goals start to materialize. 

As a teacher, this way of motivating allows me to support the student fully without exerting the exhausting energy of owning their results, actions and attitudes. When a student has high goals (that are also realistic) and is discontent with their progress or process, I simply ask, “What actions and attitudes are you doing to support your goal?” A student taking ownership of their process and their product is key for a their growth.

Another question to ask when a student is discouraged about unmet goals is: “What support do you need from me or your parents to help you achieve that goal?” Often, goals need to be adjusted due to how life plays out from month-to-month. Injury, school homework load, loss of a loved one or family pet, personal or social crisis, or poor health are just some factors that can adjust the goals on a vision board. 

Vision boards are here to inspire and motivate, not to be used to create more anxiety or pressure on a child. Allowing the student to change their minds and hold their goals lightly will alleviate that pressure. Giving them permission to answer the question, “What do I need right now?” can help teach a beautiful balance between motivation and self-care. When there is a balance between healthy goals and healthy actions and attitudes, a healthy musician can flourish. 

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Questions to start your Vision Boards: 

1) What do you want this year?

2) What are your dreams this year?

3) What is needed for you and from you to achieve those dreams?