Let's compare learning to play and instrument to taking a hike. (These pics were taken on Lumpy Ridge Trail in Estes Park, CO.) At the beginning of a hike, it is exciting and fun to get started even though the beginning of the trail could be rather steep. You can often see where you are headed. When you begin to play an instrument, it's exciting and fun too. Maybe you heard someone play the instrument beautifully or you saw older students playing the instrument and it looked like they were having a good time. There is sooooo much to learn when starting to learn a new instrument. When will I sound good? Often on a hike, there will be people ahead of you, and probably people behind you. When you are learning to play an instrument, there will be people who are better than you, and people who have been playing longer than you. Sometimes on a hike, the trail isn't obvious, your route gets a little messy, or there are obstacles in the way. Time for a water break and a chance to reassess if you are still on track. (Ask others if you are in the right place.) You will encounter times when you seem to be stuck and not making progress on your instrument. Take a little break, review what you already know and can do. Reassess. Are you working on skills and notes in an order that builds on your skills or are you jumping around to just play songs you like or have heard on the radio? Maybe you are missing some skills or notes that you need to conquer the piece you are struggling with. (Ask for help!) As you hike, it is not only the destination (top of the mountain) that can be enjoyed, but the journey getting there. It may be a beautiful sunny day. Maybe you are lucky enough to see some mountain wildlife. Perhaps the people you are with make the hike extra fun. Enjoy the journey to making music. While you may be preparing for a performance or earning belts or tokens for mastering songs, the real joy is in the making of the music. Who is making music with you? How does it feel to realize the sound you are making is beautiful to hear? When you get to a spot on your hike with a great view, enjoy it! Take a picture to remember the day. When you reach a musical milestone (the performance or completion of a particularly difficult piece...), enjoy where you are. Enjoy your success as you are the one that made it happen. With persistence, empathy, flexibility, optimism, and resilience, you have become a more accomplished musician.