Feb 2020 Update

Stepped it up again.. and again... and...

New year, new decade, new teacher, new exam but same old passion and love for what I do.

So first things first, quick update on where I'm at.

The drum exam... passed.  It was as bad as I thought and I really hated it but all that mattered was that I did it and the icing on the cake was that I passed.  I am very proud of myself.  I'm doing another this year and I'm even more afraid because I know how it felt, I don't want to feel like that again but that is precisely what will drive me.  The additional progress it will force is worth more than  the few tears it will cause.

I have a new bass teacher, finally took the plunge and he's a lovely teacher who I'm certain will get me in shape over time.  I'm really looking forward to this but it absolutely has added another layer of work and stress but also enjoyment (otherwise why do it?)!

Still with Zak (guitar teacher) and we're having the best time.  I'm really progressing even though I still struggle but it feels good to make the progress we do and this year I'm absolutely ready to step it up.  A lot of very important factors finally fell into place last year that's making things a lot easier on me.

Still with Simon (drum teacher) and he terrfies me but in the best way haha!!  Simon can nudge me soooo far outside my comfort zone it's crazy and he's such a lovely guy and I enjoy our lessons even if they are painful too.  So I have three wonderful teachers, very defined goals, some brutal sticks at my back and lots of amazing things to achieve.

Still writing of course!  I'll save that for the next update.

I've spent the last few months mentally and physically preparing myself for this years work.  It's mostly about building mental stamina not just to do tasks for long periods but to target areas of weakness without building stress.  I still have a way to go but it's working and I'm achieving much more these days as a result.  A bit like building any muscle, push until it feels a little sore, stop, rest, reset, push.  It's very effective but it takes a lot of dedication and patience and of course if you don't want to really do it then it's pointless.

I'll leave it there and get on with my bass exercises, guitar routine and this weeks drum homework.  It's not just a life I signed up for it's one I've designed and I love it but IT IS HARD!!!