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Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Learning to Play the Cello
In the year 2010, I shall learn to play the cello. That was my New Year's resolution made three months back. And last weekend, I played my first recital, debuting with a rousing rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Cello players the world over know that Twinkle is one of those beginner pieces that helps the novice cello player learn virtually everything she needs to know: how to hold the cello, hold the blow, finger, develop intonation, etc.
There are several character traits that I possess that make it possible for me to tackle a new instrument: a willingness to look foolish (oh yes, I have that one down), an ability to be completely focused (good for practicing), the ability to envision myself playing a gorgeous Bach Prelude (that's a few years away), and the courage to perform in front of other people (I wanted to be a concert pianist as a teenager so I've played lots of recitals on the piano).
For complete character development, I highly recommend tackling something that requires one to become a novice, a beginner, a neophyte, or a newbie. It's humbling experience. I'm constantly reminded of how little I know and how unskilled I am. I don't even know what I don't yet know. But as I progress from Twinkle, Twinkle to Go Tell Aunt Rhody (I understand that is what's coming next), I discover the next set of skills that I must master on my journey to Bach.
Here's what I've learned from my first three months of cello lessons (and I'm sure these lessons translate to learning how to lead others, how to communicate, how to deliver a webinar, etc.):
1. Commit to regular practice if you intend to improve.
2. It's fine to practice by yourself but you'll improve faster with a goal to play in front of other people.
3. You can't just read the notes on the page; you have to pick up the instrument and make sounds.
4. Build up your physical strength slowly; don't expect to play for an hour when you're just beginning.
5. Take regular breaks during practice; walk around and stretch to loosen up.
6. Build variety into your practice sessions (different music, scales, and techniques).
7. Play for anyone who will listen.
8. Find a good, compatible teacher.
9. Ask your teacher for positive feedback.
10. Don't compare yourself to anyone else.
11. Immerse yourself in the world of cello (listen to recordings, watch others play, etc.).
12. Play duets with other musicians.
13. Enjoy making music, not making perfect music.
I can look at everyone one of those lessons and translate them to other arenas in which I've been a learner. Put here's how they apply to the development of leadership skills, just as an example:
1. Commit to regular practice if you intend to improve. (Leaders need to practice, practice, practice--just like any other learner.)
2. It's fine to practice by yourself but you'll improve faster with a goal to play in front of other people. (Leaders benefit from applying their skills and getting feedback from peers.)
3. You can't just read the notes on the page; you have to pick up the instrument and make sounds. (You won't learn it just from reading a book; you have to try it out and see what works.)
4. Build up your physical strength slowly; don't expect to play for an hour when you're just beginning. (There's no such thing as a born leader. A leader always develops the skills to lead.)
5. Take regular breaks during practice; walk around and stretch to loosen up. (Regular breaks in coaching or leadership training allow learners to integrate skills.)
6. Build variety into your practice sessions (different music, scales, and techniques). (Leaders learn the most through a variety of learning styles.)
7. Play for anyone who will listen. (Take on leadership challenges and projects at work, at home, and in your community.)
8. Find a good, compatible teacher. (Find a good, compatible coach.)
9. Ask your teacher for positive feedback. (The best leaders maximize their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses.)
10. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. (As a leader, develop your own style.)
11. Immerse yourself in the world of cello (listen to recordings, watch others play, etc.). (As a leader, immerse yourself in the leadership literature. Take what works and apply it.)
12. Play duets with other musicians. (Find a buddy or trusted colleague; share your process and challenges; get good advice.)
13. Enjoy making music, not making perfect music. Notice improvement and applaud yourself. (Try new skills and behaviors; get feedback; learn from your team; celebrate improvement.)
And my last lesson is to acknowledge the source of your inspiration. My down-the-street neighbor, Anna, is a 10-year old with an amazing talent for the cello. Over the holidays, she played a Bach Prelude for me that just touched my heart. I was amazed to hear that little voice in my head say, "I want to learn how to do that." Thank you, Anna, for sharing your gift and inspiring me to become a learner again.
Posted by Cynthia Clay at 8:44 pm