The train wrecks of learning something new - daring to suck in Ireland
- Janet Feld
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
Train wrecks are a normal part of learning to do anything new, but many of us carry unspoken cultural beliefs about being "born with it" or not.
I'd be very rich if I got a dollar every time someone said something that reflects this:
I don't have a musical bone in my body
I have no talent
Maybe if I'd started lessons when I was a kid, it would be possible to learn to play, but I'm too old now...
Here's the thing: I know from nearly 40 years of teaching music that the only thing that needs to be true in order to play a musical instrument is that you want to, and you've found a teacher who's a good fit for you (by the end of a first lesson, if you feel like a moron, it's the wrong teacher for you. If you feel that with some effort, you'll be able to learn, and it's fun, that's the right fit).
Also, when we have a limiting belief about only people from the special talented planet being able to play, it's also easy to assume that they just pop out of the womb knowing how to do it, that it doesn't take time and practice to learn.
I've often had students express disbelief that I ever have learning curve train wrecks and so, whenever possible, I show them examples.
Last June, I led a group of people on a music-focused tour through the northwestern region of Ireland as a "series finale" of hosting tours for the last 10 years. While we were there, we experienced learning how to play the tin whistle. The teacher was fabulous and by the end of the lesson, we were able to hobble our way through a song.
Several days later, we were having a song circle in Matt Molloy's Pub in Westport Ireland, and I was called on to show off what we'd learned. Train wrecks and all, I played the song we'd learned.
With all the squeaks and stumbles, notice that when my performance was done, no one died, the ceiling didn't fall in and the gravitational pull of the earth didn't change. I just sound like a beginner.
I hope that watching this will inspire you to try something new, including learning to play a musical instrument.
Peace,
Janet
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