Ain't no half steppin'

Do you remember those school days when math seemed like a breeze? Adding, multiplying, dividing, and subtracting numbers effortlessly—ah, what a feeling! I used to be that kid, confidently raising my hand with the correct answer, sporting a proud smile.

But let me tell you, my friend, things took an unexpected turn when I reached sixth grade. Suddenly, we were given the freedom to move to different classrooms for our subjects. It felt like being a college student in Cancun, unsure of how to handle all this newfound independence. So, what did I do? I started fooling around and cutting classes.

Naturally, I always had the urge to leave school early, and my math class happened to be one of the last in the day. So, whenever I played hooky, I'd frequently skip my math lessons. After all, I thought I was a math genius. Why waste time at school when I could enjoy hours of unbridled video game bliss at my buddy's place? I figured, "Who needs school when you're already a math whiz?"

Of course, when the day of the test arrived, I made sure to show up. I was confident that passing it would be a piece of cake. Oh boy, was I wrong!

When the teacher handed me the test sheet, it might as well have been written in hieroglyphics. The numbers I was used to were nowhere to be found. Instead, I was greeted by a confusing mix of numbers and letters, resembling something straight out of an Egyptian temple.

Sitting there, desperately trying to figure out how to add the alphabet, it dawned on me—I had missed so many classes and lessons that everything seemed completely foreign. I was so far behind that a passing grade seemed like an impossible dream, despite my prior proficiency in math.

You see, no amount of smarts or natural talent could have saved me that day. Just like learning music, mastering math is a cumulative process. Concepts build upon one another, creating a solid foundation of understanding.

And here's the thing: it wasn't that I lacked intelligence or skill. It was simply that there were gaps in my knowledge.

The same goes for you. You are undoubtedly smart and talented, and I'm willing to bet you know more than you give yourself credit for. However, sometimes we approach our musical journey the same way we always have, relying on what has worked in the past. But what happens when we hit a roadblock?

That's where I come in. In our next lesson, I want to bridge those gaps and fill in the missing pieces of your knowledge. Let's start by reinforcing the basics, those simple things you already know, and expand from there. Together, we'll unlock your full potential and ensure you have a rock-solid understanding of your craft.

So, my friend, are you ready to take the next step towards musical greatness? I can't wait to embark on this journey with you.