Words Versus Actions

Every piano teacher has gone through this at least once or twice.

A new piano family says they want music to be a priority in the household. They hold on for a good five years.

But over the course of that decade, practice is almost nonexistent. There are too many other commitments that come with a grade or social commitment. 

The family will commit to a recital date, but then cancel as soon as anything else comes up. Whether it's a sports practice or an invitation to a playdate.

The years pass.

And as much zeal as mom and dad had in the beginning, approaching high school and still playing elementary-level pieces just isn't fun anymore.

That's when they decide to take a break for a couple months. And then the break becomes a permanent break.

It's one thing to say you're going to do something. But what matters is the actions you take to get there.

Or not.