Many people who learn to play an instrument or sing initially feel they are not good enough. And it can turn them off learning quickly. Almost as quickly as they get past the pain of starting and on to the excitement of playing or singing for the first time.
Part of the problem is how lessons are presented to people initially. Lessons should challenge you in a caring way and make you feel like you’re always making progress – however small. It all adds up. Premium voice lessons by Norcal Music & Arts Center have developed a unique method for getting a musician in touch with their inner vulnerability. It encourages students to embrace their weaknesses as opportunities for improvement to discover their true potential and learn how to play music from the heart outwards. Read on to learn the need for vulnerability in music lessons and performance.
What Is Vulnerability
Vulnerability is about an artist’s willingness to expose themselves to the audience; it’s also about taking risks in other areas of their life.
For example, if an artist wants to perform a piece that is more than just a personal expression of emotion, they must also be willing to take risks with their personal lives. The same goes for students who want to learn music outside of school. They don’t have to be perfect at everything; they must be willing to make mistakes and learn from them along the way.
When you’re willing to explore our vulnerabilities and take risks in our music lessons and performances, you can uncover something special that will help you grow as an artist and a human being.
Different Forms and Intensities of vulnerability
Some people feel more vulnerable performing vocally than using a palpable instrument. Others feel vulnerable in performing using new techniques.
Vulnerability is exposing yourself to something that may be uncomfortable or even painful. It can be done physically or mentally, and it can occur in any context as long as it’s not comfortable for you to do so. In music, vulnerability can be seen when using new techniques or learning new pieces of music. Learning a new piece of music takes courage because everyone has their way of playing it; it is scary because you don’t know what will happen during your next lesson or performance.
Importance of Vulnerability In Music Lessons and Performance
Vulnerability is a practice that has been shown to impact students’ performance in music lessons positively. Teachers can encourage students to be vulnerable by asking questions about their emotions, personal lives, and relationships. This type of questioning can help students explore their inner worlds and gain insight into their own experiences.
Vulnerability is also necessary for developing good musicianship. People who express themselves creatively can create beautiful music and confidently perform it. By asking students about their feelings, teachers can help them experience creative inspiration and develop skills that will allow them to perform well when it matters most: during live performances!
When students are exposed to vulnerability in their music lessons or performances, they often become more open to learning new things about themselves and the world around them. It can lead to more self-confidence and greater clarity about what they want.
It’s also important for musicians to feel comfortable enough with their instrument or voice to express themselves without fear of judgment from others. When you feel vulnerable, you can put aside your fears and speak up about what makes us feel good—or bad—about yourself.
What Needs to Happen for Vulnerability to Take Place In Music Lessons or Performance?
The things that need to happen for vulnerability to take place are:
- The teacher has to be open to vulnerability. It means that they have to be able to recognize when students are being vulnerable and make space for it.
- Students need to feel safe in the lesson/performance environment to express themselves freely without judgment or criticism.
- Students need a safe space where they can share their thoughts, fears, hopes, and dreams with their teacher without fear of ridicule or shame.
- The student and teacher need to be on the same page about what is being asked of them.
- The student must be willing to take risks and do things they might not normally do.
- The teacher needs to be able to support the student without sacrificing their safety or well-being.
Vulnerability is a fragile quality easily discarded for more technical and concrete elements. It is the realm of soft skills—one that must not be overlooked, or only exploited, or viewed as “nice-to-haves.” You must think critically about how to utilize vulnerability best and work on cultivating its development within yourself and your students.
