Growth Mindset and Applying it to Musicianship

As teachers, I am sure we have discussed the importance of growth mindset for our students. I have seen many teachers pump this type of wiring into their students, but refuse to give themselves any form of leeway when making mistakes, or not progressing fast enough. I include myself as guilty of not allowing mistakes to be made, and becoming upset when I cannot grasp what I deem to be simple concepts.

When it comes to mixing growth mindset and musicianship, it is important to remember that you are not a machine that pumps music out, but rather a human being that is mastering a profound and unique subject.

The best way we can have our students develop strong growth mindsets, in my opinion, is to have one of our own, and show our students that we as teachers make a conscious effort toward bettering ourselves as teachers and musicians. After reading an article on opencolleges.edu about growth mindset, I reflected on how I treat myself as a musician and person.

One of the biggest tips that stood out was acknowledging and embracing imperfections. As musicians, we want to nail that sonata at our next recital, or grasp the difficulty of playing bassoon with tiny hands all while making it look effortless, as if we didn't cry because our fingers are not long enough to properly hold a bassoon (just me?). It is difficult to look at these imperfections, like struggling with a difficult passage, as opportunities to learn. This sounds weird, and it is, but I learned that one of the best ways to ensure your growth mindset is no compromised is by saying affirmations out loud, such as, "This is not a failure, it is a learning opportunity. I can do this."

Trust me, it sounds like bogus but it works!

Original Article: https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/develop-a-growth-mindset/

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