Stephen L
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&b, Gospel, Musical Theater, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Showtunes, Reggae, Swing, New Age, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk

I always want my students to strive, as I do, toward an ideal, without an attachment to the result.  For example, if a student wants to play like Jimi Hendrix and become a Rock Star, we will talk about what it takes to reach that goal and work (and play) diligently and enthusiastically toward it, and when difficulties inevitably arise, that's OK.  Keep up the practice and you will most likely reach your goal.  If the student does not reach his/her goal and they put in genuine effort and most importantly, heart, then undoubtedly they have gained from it and I am never one to harshly criticize a student.  If I think they can do better I will tell them how, but for me, music is made primarily for enjoyment and self improvement and not for the approval of others or to be better than others.  I would rather a student enjoy making music and be proud of their accomplishments than to diminish their self-worth against impossible standards.  I find that those who are encouraged to reach higher standards for their own sake rather than the approval of others are much more likely to succeed and actually achieve objectively impressive musical heights