Spencer R  
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Viola
Styles: Classical, Pop, Folk, Avant-garde

Mostly I'd refer to the methods section. Though here I will discuss the dragon that is practice. It's difficult. Even I don't practice as much as I'd like and I'd wager few truly do, but it is consistency that makes the difference. I often say that music has more in common with a physical activity than an intellectual one. What I mean is, you can learn a fact and know it. You cannot expect to learn a music skill and be able to use it without practice. This is like a marathon runner who cannot expect to run far without training. Much of the frustration students find when it comes to improvement comes from the misunderstanding that something learned in music stays learned. I find it more more accurate to say you train your music skills, rather than learn them. Without the dedication of consistent practice what's learned becomes unlearned. Again this can be likened to an athlete who no longer trains. Also like an athlete this is something that does get easier the more you do it. That being said it requires less of a time commitment than many may think. One of the goals with my students is going to be to find entertaining ways to build that consistency. We'll make practice a game. A challenge to overcome, or a boss to beat. You can get away with Just fifteen minutes of practice each day and you will still see improvement, but only if it is consistent. For those that aren't necessarily interested in going down that road, that's ok! In the end it's about what is fulfilling to you. I am always more than happy to make our time more exploratory and free form. This is especially important with very young students, though I'd encourage this attitude with all ages. Lets have fun. Just know that time commitment is necessary if improvement is something important to you.