Last Sunday afternoon, my wife and I took our two boys out to a corn maze near Buhler, KS. My 14 year old immediately disappeared and we didn't see him again until we were out of the corn maze. My wife and I decided to let our 8 yr old lead us through the labyrinth, using a map and knowledge of the basic landmarks: a hedgerow, and the road.

We were witnesses to his initial enthusiasm, followed by his frustration and a desire to quit and just "let Dad lead us out", followed again by his enlightenment and a sense of accomplishment as he started applying a method for navigating the maze. With help, he led us out, and it was extremely rewarding to see our recently adopted son succeed.

I couldn't help but think of the corollary between the corn maze and what I repeatedly observe as I go about teaching piano and bass in my studio. I see it in all ages, especially with beginners. They are so excited to start taking piano or bass lessons, and the drive exists. Then comes the stage where the beginner realizes that learning to play the piano or bass requires work, study, and practice. Inevitably, some become frustrated and quit. However, if we can push on to that point where music study begins to make sense, and we can find a methodical approach that keeps bringing success, a sense of accomplishment will eventually emerge. It's what I like to call "stick-to-it-iveness". Very simply, don't quit, stay at it. You will reap a dividend in the end.

Do you think today's children give up too easily? If so, what do you think may be the cause of this? Comment below!

Thanks to the folks at Kansas Maze @ Gaeddert Farms for the use of their photo. Go have fun in the corn maze! Check out their website at www.kansasmaze.com

I was just offering assistance to a youngster who intends to audition as a pianist for a military band, and "needs to learn to read music in six months". I have long maintained that it takes about 5 minutes of one's time to learn to read music. We then spend the rest of our lives getting better at it. Six months is not much time to get proficient enough for such an audition.....having been a piano and bass player in the 312th Army Band in my younger days, and having gone through the process, I know that of which I speak (or blog).

This is not my first experience with musicians who want to "cram" for an audition. As a bass teacher, I've worked with bass students who had little or nothing in the way of piano skills. Little did they know when they started bass way back in the 4th or 5th grade how much they would enjoy the instrument. Now comes college, and the young bassist wants to study bass at university level....a neophyte music major. Guess what one of the main components of completing a music degree happens to be? Piano Proficiency......!  So I am asked to teach them how to play in short order, usually 3-6 months. I do what I can, and usually the outcome is only mildly satisfactory. Quizzing out of the first couple of levels of group piano lessons is usually the best one can hope to achieve.

Can you place your finger on one of those pivotal moments in your life that totally changed the outcome of your existence? One of mine was when I begged my parents for violin lessons, and they insisted that piano lessons would come first. They were not musical people.....we just happened to already have an antique pump organ for me to practice on.  I never did get around to really studying the violin in depth, though I did become an orchestra director. The piano (very simply, without a doubt, no argument about it) is the best instrument that a person can study as they commence their musical journey. All the basics of music are contained in those piano lessons. One may then, with a strong musical foundation, venture into other interesting instruments.

Here in Wichita, budget cuts have put us in a situation where instrumental music classes do not begin until the 6th grade.... a sad state of affairs. Parents, I urge you to expose your kids to music much earlier... I have started piano students as young as 4. Sign those kids up for piano lessons early on!

David James teaches piano and bass lessons at his studio in Wichita, KS .... aptly named the David James Piano and Bass Studio. "Like" his studio page on Facebook, follow him on Twitter, check out his website at www.djpianobass.com.