#1: Desire. Have you ever stopped yourself from going after your dream before you have even started? Julia Cameron says, “Do you know how old you’ll be by the time you learn to play piano? The same age you’ll be if you don’t.” As a piano teacher, I’ve used that quote for years when trying to get students to walk through my door for lessons. Sometimes that worked, and I’d find a new student sitting on my bench, and other times not. I often say “your desire to fly has to be bigger than your fear of falling.”

#2: Tools. You’d be amazed of how many students come to their first lesson and they don’t own a piano or even a keyboard. First thing I tell them is to get access to one of these instruments; a bench, light, metronome, and sheet music will be important tools too. In achieving your dream, tools are necessary. What ones are you needing and what do you need to get them?

#3: Guide. Some folks try to learn the piano by themselves and/or over the internet. While piano can be learned this way, it’s not the most efficient. A teacher, someone from the outside, is recommended for best results. Who has gone before you and can assist you in achieving your dream?

#4: Repetition. The most successful students came prepared to their lessons – having practiced every day. Others would put practicing off until the night before and tried to fake it. This never worked! I heard someone once say, “Practice makes you better, nothing makes you perfect.” Eventually, I replaced practicing with repetition and students responded by playing more at home. Whatever your dream, just keep on with the repetition – you’ll get there!

#5: Believe. The one thing that kept most of my students from fully learning how to play the piano was lack of believing in themselves. I had a student once who would stop after playing just one note. You must believe the piece is already in your fingertips and it’s a matter of time before the piece is manifested in reality. How many times do you stop before giving your dream a try?

#6: Commitment. Most of my students stopped learning how to play the piano because “it got too hard.” They weren’t willing to persevere and to go through the process. Remember, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Stay with it! The dream is just around the corner.

#7: Celebrate. At times, my students would learn their piece and then just stop. I would give music parties/recitals with food, gifts, and praise and they wouldn’t join in on the fun. I didn’t do this to torture them, I held the parties so they could “Celebrate the Struggle.” I, as well as them, knew what it took for them to learn their piece. Too many times we don’t stop to celebrate ourselves and our accomplishments, and in doing so, we give ourselves permission to say that it didn’t matter or we didn’t deserve it.

No matter what your dreams are today, I challenge you to go for it! Practice, find the tools and the teacher, persevere, and do what it takes. You, and your dreams are worth your time, energy, and effort. And no matter what, don’t forget to celebrate. And as always, feel free to call or email me and let me know your thoughts, questions, and successes.