Finding the right training plan
I’ve taken up running in the last few years, and I’ve run three marathons. For my first, I pieced together a training plan from the best free resources I could find. I was able to adjust it any way I wanted. The result was that I ran the race far below my capability and ended up injured.
For my second marathon, I tried a different approach. I bought a book with a training plan and followed it to a T. It was hard work, and it challenged my thinking about what was possible, but it kept me on track. The result was a much better performance in the race, finishing strong, and propelling me toward the next race where I did even better.
With the internet, you can learn to do almost anything – from running to DIY house projects to, of course, learning music. The information is all online. But sorting through all the information, determining what’s useful, and putting it to work is a big challenge.
That’s why you need a plan. A plan will help you:
- Be clear about where you’re trying to go.
- Give you simple, specific steps toward your goal.
- Help you focus on the work, not on searching for better information.
A clear goal
A good plan will focus you toward a specific result. That’s important in an environment where your learning could go any direction on any topic. Sticking with a plan means you aren’t sidetracked by interesting, but unproductive rabbit trails.
Simple, specific steps
Simple does not mean something is easy. Simple means it’s not overly complicated. We often trick ourselves into thinking that complicated is better. A good plan will make concepts as simple as possible and give you specific steps toward applying those concepts.
Focus on the work
Learning a skill happens when we put it into practice. When we commit to a plan, we intentionally move from searching for better information and commit to action. There will almost always be a better plan out there, but putting a good plan into action will always beat constant searching.
Keyboard courses
I’ve designed the online keyboard courses at OurWorshipSound to help move you toward your musical goals as efficiently as possible. When you register for one of these courses, you’re getting a plan that will empower you with focused instruction and free you to practice the things that will make a difference in your playing.
For more on the Fluent Piano courses, click here.
For more on learning to play great sounds through Mainstage, click here.