Being an excellent student is as important as having an excellent teacher. An excellent student can learn from any qualified teacher. A problem student will have difficulty learning from even the best of teachers. Many students consider being prepared for their lessons equivalent to being an excellent student. Being prepared for lessons represents only a small, albeit essential, characteristic of the excellent student. Becoming an excellent student takes commitment and work, but the results are well worth the effort.
Suggestions For Becoming an Excellent Student:
1. Be a good listener.
Listening goes beyond hearing—it's about understanding what's being communicated and putting it into practice. Sometimes, messages are abstract and need time to fully grasp, but applying what you learn in theory to real-life situations is essential.
2. Do what is asked of you.
Your teacher gives assignments that suit your strengths and address your challenges, even if it's not your favourite music. Completing them helps you grow as a musician and works alongside suggestion #3: Trust your teacher.
3. Trust your teacher.
No one hears you play as often or knows your progress like your teacher does. Their recommendations are based on experience and expertise. If you can't trust your teacher, consider finding another—learning is only possible when basic trust exists.
4. Be respectful of your teacher.
Respect means more than good behaviour during lessons; it also means representing your teacher and studio positively at competitions, rehearsals, performances, and other flute events.
5. Listen to other flute students and flute players as often as you possibly can.
Hearing others play broadens your perspective and appreciation for different styles and skills. Some students avoid this because they feel threatened, but experiencing others' playing is key to your own improvement.
6. Remember that being a good flute player involves more than just “playing the flute well.”
Success as a musician depends on positive character traits like humility, respect, and professionalism. Teachers with integrity nurture these qualities along with musical technique. Recognising their importance sets you apart.
7. Be more concerned about learning than impressing others.
Focusing solely on impressing people leads to insecurity and blocks real learning. Constructive feedback should be accepted as an opportunity to improve. Distrust or ego can stall progress and lead to unhelpful habits, such as forum shopping (see #8).
8. Avoid “Forum Shopping.”
Jumping from teacher to teacher looking for only praise wastes time and money and fosters unrealistic views about your abilities. This attitude usually reflects poor listening skills.
9. Allow yourself to be humble and vulnerable.
Learning thrives when you're open and willing to admit there's always more to master. Trusting your teacher and embracing vulnerability makes endless growth possible.
10. Don’t burn bridges.
The flute community is interconnected. Maintain positive relationships when changing teachers; leave graciously and keep professional. Your reputation follows you, impacting future opportunities more than your talent alone.
11. Always be a student of the instrument.
Growth comes from staying curious and open to learning at any stage or age. Believing you’ve learned all there is to learn halts development and leads to stagnation.
1. Be a good listener.
Listening goes beyond hearing—it's about understanding what's being communicated and putting it into practice. Sometimes, messages are abstract and need time to fully grasp, but applying what you learn in theory to real-life situations is essential.
2. Do what is asked of you.
Your teacher gives assignments that suit your strengths and address your challenges, even if it's not your favourite music. Completing them helps you grow as a musician and works alongside suggestion #3: Trust your teacher.
3. Trust your teacher.
No one hears you play as often or knows your progress like your teacher does. Their recommendations are based on experience and expertise. If you can't trust your teacher, consider finding another—learning is only possible when basic trust exists.
4. Be respectful of your teacher.
Respect means more than good behaviour during lessons; it also means representing your teacher and studio positively at competitions, rehearsals, performances, and other flute events.
5. Listen to other flute students and flute players as often as you possibly can.
Hearing others play broadens your perspective and appreciation for different styles and skills. Some students avoid this because they feel threatened, but experiencing others' playing is key to your own improvement.
6. Remember that being a good flute player involves more than just “playing the flute well.”
Success as a musician depends on positive character traits like humility, respect, and professionalism. Teachers with integrity nurture these qualities along with musical technique. Recognising their importance sets you apart.
7. Be more concerned about learning than impressing others.
Focusing solely on impressing people leads to insecurity and blocks real learning. Constructive feedback should be accepted as an opportunity to improve. Distrust or ego can stall progress and lead to unhelpful habits, such as forum shopping (see #8).
8. Avoid “Forum Shopping.”
Jumping from teacher to teacher looking for only praise wastes time and money and fosters unrealistic views about your abilities. This attitude usually reflects poor listening skills.
9. Allow yourself to be humble and vulnerable.
Learning thrives when you're open and willing to admit there's always more to master. Trusting your teacher and embracing vulnerability makes endless growth possible.
10. Don’t burn bridges.
The flute community is interconnected. Maintain positive relationships when changing teachers; leave graciously and keep professional. Your reputation follows you, impacting future opportunities more than your talent alone.
11. Always be a student of the instrument.
Growth comes from staying curious and open to learning at any stage or age. Believing you’ve learned all there is to learn halts development and leads to stagnation.
Excellent students aren't simply born; they grow and develop, much like people who become admirable individuals. This growth requires both personal motivation and support from parents and mentors. Typically, excellent students have parents and supporters who value these traits, encourage them, and back teachers' efforts to nurture such development. If you aspire to enhance your flute skills, aim to be an excellent student. You'll notice growth in both your musical skills and your personal development.