This is a new term for me!  It is one floating about in the online community for the Harmony course.  I know it is being used with love and grace, and humour!  But it has got me thinking…
As you all I’m sure are very well aware, I have just offered a new course.  It was exciting and I enjoyed working with new people as I went through the free event which introduced this new course to everyone.  After (and often during) everything I offer, I pretty much always ask for feedback.  It helps me assess how something worked and how I can improve it for people taking part if I decide to do it again.  And the free celebrating harmony weekend was no exception.  I asked everyone for feedback.
The biggest take away from this feedback was people describing themselves as ‘too much of a beginner’.  Too slow, too little knowledge, not ready.  These are just some of the comments people had about themselves.
When considering a learning opportunity – of course we have to think about what our level is and if the course is right for us.  And sometimes it won’t be right for us.  And that’s ok.  But there are definitely too many adult learner harpists giving up great learning opportunities because they think they are ‘too much of a beginner’.  Too much of a beginner to learn?  At what point are we going to allow ourselves to move forward?  How are we going to improve if we are constantly ‘too much of a beginner’ to even try to learn?
I get it, how often have you signed up to a ‘beginner’ course only to find yourself in a sea of advanced players all moving fast and doing things you don’t understand – that’s so scary and it doesn’t feel good. But also, you are worth working on.  You are worth investing in.  You bring a unique view, feel, soul to your music and your harp playing that no one else will bring.  In my learning groups, no one is left behind.
I see you.
I see the fantastic things you have to contribute!  I celebrate that!
I am a professional harpist.  I am also a perpetual beginner.  Why?  Because I am ALWAYS learning.  I won’t allow my ‘beginner’ status to prevent me from learning.
So, I hope you all embrace your ‘Perpetual Beginner’ titles and take every opportunity to learn.