“I’m no good at rhythm.”

“I always make that mistake.”

“This is too hard.”

These are some of the comments I hear from students on a regular basis.

It’s upsetting, because a lot of the time when students say things like this, I can see the issues they’re having with their music, and often these issues are a lot simpler to fix than they realize.

But it’s harder for me to help students change the stories they tell themselves.

In the book Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It, Ethan Kross explores the pervasive and often disruptive inner dialogue that can dominate our thoughts. Kross, a renowned psychologist, delves into the science behind this internal dialogue (which he terms “chatter”), explaining how it can lead to stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges.

In the book, Kross identifies the factors that exacerbate negative self-talk and provides practical strategies to transform it into a tool for positive thinking and improved well-being. He highlights techniques such as distancing oneself from the chatter, reframing perspectives, and leveraging the power of rituals and social connections. Kross also emphasizes the importance of environment and mindset in managing inner dialogue.

I’m no psychologist, but I really believe that it does matter how we talk to ourselves. I always try to help my students reframe their inner monologue in ways that encourage growth and positive change.

So instead of, “I’m no good at rhythm,” maybe try saying:

• “I’ve struggled with rhythm in the past, but I can get better.”

Instead of, “I always make that mistake,” perhaps:

• “I’ve made that mistake before, but I’ll see if I can avoid it this time.”

Instead of, “This is too hard,” try:

• “This is hard, but I’ll do my best.”

I have seen students turn it around with a shift in their thinking and go on to do things they didn’t think they could do. And that’s a wonderful thing to observe!

Here are some more statements to try when the voice in your head isn’t helpful:

1. I am a dedicated and talented musician.
2. Every practice session brings me closer to mastery.
3. I enjoy the process of learning and growing as a pianist.
4. Challenges are opportunities for me to improve and excel.
5. I am proud of my progress and excited for my future accomplishments.
6. My hard work and perseverance will pay off.
7. I play the piano with confidence and joy.
8. Mistakes are a natural part of my learning journey.
9. I have the ability to overcome any obstacle in my musical path.
10. I am patient with myself and trust the learning process.
11. I express my emotions beautifully through my music.
12. I am grateful for the support and guidance I receive from my teacher.
13. Each piece I learn enhances my skills and creativity.
14. I am committed to practicing regularly and with focus.
15. My unique musical voice is valuable and worth sharing.
16. I listen to and appreciate the music of others while cultivating my own style.
17. I celebrate my achievements, no matter how small.
18. I am continuously improving and evolving as a pianist.
19. I enjoy the challenges and triumphs of my musical journey.
20. I am a confident and expressive performer.

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If you’re ready to get started or take the next step on your musical journey, I’m here to help! Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level, I offer personalized piano lessons tailored to your individual goals and learning style. Reach out today, and let’s start making music together!