YOUTH WORSHIP TEAM
THE VALUE OF PRACTICE | Vance & Michelle Shepherd
We thought the start of a new year would be a the students excel very quickly in their musical everyday thing. Maybe consider only spending
great time to have a motivational talk with our studies (and I’m sure it’s not just music, but half as much time on social media and video
students on setting new goals. How valuable is grades in school that excel also). games as you do on your musical studies.
fast life goes by? If our students commit to a The younger they are, the more this strategy If we could grasp the potential of the amount of
time slot each day toward their musical goals, works. Setting a solid foundation for learning time in just one year, 8,760 hours to be exact,
and keep it every day until next year at this time, and goal setting is crucial at a young age. The and then discipline ourselves to commit to
how much more advanced will they be? If they older the child is, the harder it is to set these achieving a specific goal in that year, we could
can do this for just one year, they would more rules, due to them not being under the parent’s change the world! I believe that if you do this
than likely continue being goal minded and watchful eyes as much. It’s interesting — I for one year, you will be blown away by what
time-aware for the rest of their lives. always hear the same thing from musicians, you’ve accomplished. And quite likely this
"I'm so glad my parents made me practice and method will become a lifestyle for you.
the amount of time in every single day, and how
Two words: video games. It's an epidemic! continue in music". On the other hand, I'll hear As music teachers, we see this as a constant from non-musical people, "I wish my parents I'm confident that if you implement this
struggle between parents and their children. would not have let me give up on music". mindset, and take charge of your time as a
Whenever a student is not excelling in their
young person, you will be incredibly successful
music studies, I question them on what they did Maybe you’re a teenager or young adult reading and satisfied into the latter years of adulthood.
with their time throughout the week. this article, and you’re in a place in life where And you will be an inspiration for many people!
you mostly manage your schedule outside of You will be a living example of goal setting and
I'll ask, “Did you play video games?” school. I want to encourage you to think about the outcome of achieving those goals. Let us
They’ll smile and say with excitement, “Yeah!” this year, and take inventory of the time in every all consider setting aside time in every day to
day, and where and how you spend that time. sharpen our skills for the glory of God so we
Then think about your goals and desires. can do the amazing ministry that He has made
When I ask how long, their answer is typically
anywhere from 2-5 hours per day. Wow. I
us for.
encourage the parents to consider only letting This year, could you commit at least one hour them play video games for half as long as they out of your day, taking steps to achieve your We wish you a successful and happy 2019!
practice their music. The student looks horrified musical goals or other studies? I find that it's May you be blessed as you pour into the next
at this suggestion, while the parent gets that good to make it the same time in every day, generation of worship leaders!
“aha!” light bulb moment in their eyes. If the either the first thing in the morning (so it for sure parent then sets these ground rules in their gets done), or the same time every afternoon— home, it's at that point that we start to see it doesn't matter what time it is. Just make it an
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February 2019
Vance & Michelle Shepherd
Founders of The Shepherd School Of Music in Las
Vegas, NV, where they work with youth to raise up the
next generation of worship leaders and musicians.
facebook.com/shepherdschoolofmusiclasvegas
www.ShepherdStudiosLV.com
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