Happy New Year!
Are you a New Year’s Resolution kind of person? I tend to like goals and that sort of thing, but we all know how well New Year’s Resolutions work out for 99.9% of us. I recently read the book The 12 Week Year, by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington, and they propose a wonderful idea of making goals only for the next 12 weeks—not a full year. Only focusing on the next 12 weeks creates clarity and focus on the most important next steps to take, right now. I would like to suggest this concept to our SKC Music Academy students!
What kind of practice habit would you like to develop in the next 12 weeks? What songs, skills, or genres would you like to learn? Write them out and show your teacher, we’ll help you develop a plan to accomplish it. Or maybe you haven’t started learning an instrument yet. Perhaps your goals can be purchasing an instrument and getting started in lessons!
Another concept the book teaches is using a Weekly Scorecard and having a Weekly Check-In. The Scorecard can be any simple chart or calendar that you check off when you accomplish your habits/tasks/etc. that are part of your goal. Then each week you have a check-in meeting to review how you did, preferably with another person who is ready to cheer you on. For musical goals, your check-in could be with your teacher each week. They can also help you trouble shoot if you’re having trouble with any goals.
Another thing I loved about this book is the that there was not a need to be perfect – they actually said, if you are getting at least 85% on your Scorecard, you’re very likely to achieve your goals! Phew! There is room for imperfection and missed practice sessions!
With the fresh start of this wonderful new year, I hope you think on fun dreams and goals you’d like to live out. We’ll be there to help you!
Laura Lee Crandall
owner, South Kansas City Music Academy
Teacher Spotlight – Ezra Hallman
Ezra Hallman joined the SKC Music Academy teaching team last September and has been a fantastic addition to our team! Ezra studied piano at Kansas State, playing both classical and jazz, as well as playing tuba in the K-State marching band!
His heart is to help his students discover the same joy in music and piano that he has found!
Student of the Month – Micah Eubank
Micah Eubank is our Student of the Month! He takes drum lessons with Martin Mendez. Martin chose Micah because he is hungry to learn, gets his practice days in, and always improves! Way to go, Micah! Here’s a little more about him:
Age: 11
School: Red Bridge Elementary, 5th Grade
Why did you start taking drum lessons? My uncle was a drummer and he inspired me to play. Once I got my hands on the drum set, I really liked it.
Favorite song you’d learned so far: TNT by AC/DC
Play in any musical groups? Yes! The Monday Band Workshop at SKCMA and my church youth band.
Any non-musical hobbies? Sports!
Musical Goals? When I’m older, play in the Tuesday Band Workshop
Advice for other students? Work hard every day and come to lessons with a good attitude.
Congratulations, Micah! You’re amazing!
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