Self-Expression Without Criticism

When I was 9 years old I played the Saxophone and thought I was pretty good at it. Unfortunately, I had a teacher who didn't think so and he went out of his way to make sure I knew how he felt.

One day, my mother bought me a new saxophone (it wasn't exactly new it was used) but to me, it was the best gift I ever received. Now, of course, I wanted my teacher's approval and so I showed him my new instrument.

He called it a piece of s---!

Then the tears started to flow and from that moment on, I lost all interest in playing the saxophone.

Now, mind you, I loved this instrument. I loved the honking sound it made and the way it looked. I thought it was the coolest thing on planet Earth. But, getting that kind of criticism at such a young age destroyed my spirit and I soon found myself growing very disinterested in playing the Sax.

Self-expression is a very personal thing. It's a thing that brings joy and happiness and can die very quickly if it is not protected and guarded from criticism. Even though I was a child and fragile, it is the child part of us that can become wounded if we allow others to walk over us - consciously or unconsciously.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescencemusic.com/piano_lesson s.html for a FREE piano lesson!

---

Musicians: What Chords Do You Absolutely, Positively Have To Know?

As you probably know, there are thousands and thousands of... Read More

Five Great Practice Ideas I Learned From My Piano Students!

Sometimes the teacher learns more from the student than the... Read More

Right Hand Guitar Playing Tip

This lesson can open for you a secret of high-speed... Read More

Formal Highland Attire: The Correct Wearing of the Kilt; the National Dress of Scotland

We don't simply wear a theatrical costume; we wear the... Read More

A Quick and Easy Composition Method

Here's the method I use every time I want to... Read More

Is it Possible to Download Music Legally Anymore?

Throughout the past few years downloading music on the internet... Read More

The Need To Perform

I can't believe how much of the year has gone... Read More

The First The American Idol Kelly Clarkson

There is a lot more to the story that meets... Read More

Thomas Jefferson and the Chinese Gong

While Richard Nixon's diplomatic visit to China may have created... Read More

Celtic Music: The Japanese Connection

My friend, guitarist Brian Hughes, toured with the Chieftain's in... Read More

Things To Know When Shopping For A Guitar Amplifier

Guitar amplifiers are a major part of your tone. Some... Read More

Learn Piano the Easy Way!

There are essentially two ways to learn piano - note... Read More

Building A Good Relationship With Your Guitar

The guitar is considered the friendliest musical instrument there is.... Read More

Does Your Band Need a Manager?

New bands looking to book gigs and establish contacts often... Read More

Silent Discos!

The press have reported this week that silent disco's are... Read More

How To Make a Fortune Teaching Piano (or Guitar, or Drums, or Singing, or?) To Beginners

"But I'm not in it for the money" you say.Me... Read More

Rhapsody Music Downloads Part II - A pleasant experience?

Welcome back to Part II of Rhapsody Music Downloads! I... Read More

How To Play Piano Using Chord Symbols

Chord symbols (for example, Fm7, Cmaj7 or G6) are a... Read More

How To Make Money On A Music Website Through Pay-Per-Click?

Interested in making money while you're asleep, or making money... Read More

How to Find Musical Ideas

The Russian Composer Igor Stravinsky once said: " A good... Read More

What is Guitar Tablature and Can I Find It Online?

The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments... Read More

Everything I Play Sounds the Same

Many students want to create music that has a certain... Read More

Arranging for New Age Piano

A while back, I wrote an article that compared flower... Read More

Guitar Practice (Part 2) - Does Practice Make Perfect?

You've probably heard the saying "practice makes perfect" and it... Read More

RAP Music and Brain Washing Issues

I am not sure if anyone has been watching out... Read More

The Art of Music

Music is the art of arranging sounds in periodic time... Read More

Legend Vega Releasing New Pop CD

Legend Vega is scheduled to release her newest CD this... Read More

The Life and Music of Beatle George Harrison

Propelled into fame as one of the Beatles, along with... Read More

New Age Music - What Is It Good For?

Let's face it. The world will not end if there... Read More

Music Practice Techniques for Learning Repertory

These practice tips were written for fiddlers. I've used them... Read More

Copyright Basics for Songwriters

Should you copyright your song? If you're a songwriter, sooner... Read More

If Setting The Gain Correctly is So Important, Why Dont Mic Preamplifiers Have Meters?

When you first learn how to use a mixing console,... Read More

How to Create Backing Tracks If You Dont Play All the Instruments... or Any

Congratulations! Your singing has become amazing, and it's time the... Read More