Laura B
Chapter Summary: Everyone has strengths and everyone has weaknesses. Often, we hide our weaknesses by indulging our strengths. When having to face our weaknesses, at times it may feel like our whole world turns upside down. We become discouraged and frustrated. Those who fear their weaknesses are only seeing what is right in front of them and not looking for the why in the root of the problem. In the chapter, Ristad helps some musicians to face their weaknesses head on and find solutions. She helps some students who are superb at memorizing music by awful at sight-reading to get down to the root of their perceptual problem and figure out why sight-reading is difficult for them. She does the same for a student who is brilliant while sight-reading, but can't memorize anything worth a lick. By helping them get down to the root of their problem and finding techniques, such as juggling, to help their brain become more organized and focused, Ristad is able to help each student improve in their areas of weakness and not shy away from them.
Key Concept: Figure out the why behind the weakness and then move forward from there.
Key Terms: Perceptual problem
Making Connections: I really empathized with this chapter. I am someone who when it comes to playing the piano, sight-reading is relatively easy for me. However, if I was ever asked to memorize a piece of music, I would have to spend hours upon hours just memorizing one phrase. It was so hard! Reading this chapter opened up my eyes to my own perceptual problem. I had never faced the root of the problem, and was content with feeling as though I was just not cut out for memorizing pieces. I now realize that there is a solution to my weakness. I am excited to try out some of the experiments used in the chapter which I know will help me to become a much more knowledgeable musician, as well as a more empathetic teacher.
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