The Torch

The Torch

I like the metaphor of “Torch Holder”.  Here’s why.

I am all about encouraging others.  Strange fact – in the course of using my words to encourage, I get encouragement too.  The torch spreads it light on my path too, as I hold it for you. 

Somebody needs you to hold the torch for them today.  They need enlightenment, encouragement, instruction, coaching, guidance, a gentle but firm hand when they are weak.  Will you light the way?

I believe you will.

  

Thoughts for Improving

Whatever Needs Improving!

P Michael Biggs

Words of Encouragement

Words of Inspiration

One Solitary Life

(In the spirit of Christmas, we are taking seven days to focus on the Christian perspective of Christmas.  And in the spirit of Steps and Skips, this fits perfectly, for it speaks of power, influence and great role modeling.  Enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas.)

(Based on a Sermon by Dr. James Allen Francis)

He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman.  He grew up in another village.  He worked in a carpenter’s shop until he was thirty years old, and for three years he was an itinerant preacher.

He never owned a home. 

He never wrote a book. 

He never held an office. 

He never had a family. 

He never went to college. 

He never put his foot inside a big city. 

He never traveled more than two-hundred miles from his birthplace.

He never did any of the things that usually accompany greatness.

He had no credentials but himself.

While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him.  His friends ran away. 

One of them denied Him. 

He was turned over to His enemies. 

He went through the mockery of a trial. 

He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. 

While he was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. 

When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today He is still the centerpiece of the human race.

I am far within the mark when I say this:

All the armies that have ever marched

All the navies that ever set sail

All the parliaments that ever sat in rule

All the kings that ever reigned

All put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has this one solitary life.

Based on

~Dr. James Allan Francis

The Real Jesus and Other Sermons

© 1926 Judson Press

Merry Christmas!

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time

Watch the Pro

(This is a post dealing with skill development, whether you are a musician, sports participant, business owner or budding artist.  The logo implies music, and these ideas are transferable to all endeavors.  Thanks for reading.)

When is the last time you watched a pro do what you do?  This is something I endeavor to do frequently as a writer.  In my case, I expose myself to other writers, those far superior and more successful than I.  I can learn a lot from a pro, and so can you.

As a young drummer I would slow down the speed on my trusty turntable and play drum rhythms by Joe Morello and Gene Krupa until I was able to do a fair job of mimicking their style.  It is amazing how much these guys influenced my own drumming style. 

Who catches your eye in your field of interest?  Study them.  Watch them.  Listen to them. 

See what they have that you can use, and then make it your own.

A pro can teach a person a whole lot, if the student is willing.

I’m willing.

Michael Biggs

Steps and Skips

Tips for the Developing Student

The Right Questions

If you are like most parents and grand-parents, including me, when your student gets home from school or gets into your automobile, you begin with a barrage of questions.

“How was school?"

“Did you have fun?"

Etc., Etc.

Good questions, all of them, however, what if we tried asking "better" questions.

Carol Dweck, our resident Mindset expert, suggests these:

“What did you learn today?”  This is more than just a passing conversation.  Really show interest in knowing what your child learned.  It is called “reinforcement” in the learning process.

Ah, here’s a good one.

“What mistakes did you make that taught you something?”  Asking this question can help your child in the beginning stages of analysis and critical thinking.

And then this one …

“What did you try hard at today?”  Phrased in the proper way you prepare your child to put forth effort in learning - the greatest mindset of all.  What you have just communicated is this …“you don’t have to be perfect the first time.  Some things take time.”

Carolyn Biggs

Steps and Skips

Tips for the Developing Student

Planting Mental Imagery

Planting Mental Imagery

Here is a tip we all can use at some point in our lives. 

Watch others perform on the instrument or in the sport we love.

What if, on occasion, you showed your student a short video clip of some great performer, or exceptional young performer, playing piano?  Can you imagine the impact this might have from a motivational standpoint?  Taking him/her to some awesome live performances works equally as well.

This experience will take their piano playing out of the student/teacher realm into actual, real life.  Suddenly he/she gets a glimpse of a real time experience and can, with some nurturing, see new possibilities.

If this works for you, it will become a cherished activity that could last a lifetime. 

What you are doing is putting quality role models in front of your child for them to emulate.  Plant those seeds by using great role models.  Sometimes these seeds are slow to take root, and when they do, you will stand in amazement at the results.

Carolyn Biggs

Steps and Skips

Tips for the Developing Student

Role Models

There is a tip in the book The Little Book of Talent that says this:  

Tip 1

STARE AT WHO YOU WANT TO BECOME

Allow me to make an application for you and your child.  Everyone needs role models.  Role models do exactly that - they model a behavior or performance that we ultimately want to adopt for ourselves.  

Order your copy of 

The Little Book of Talent 

by clicking HERE!

It is true for piano students.  Find some good short videos of excellent pianists in whatever genre they like and invite them to watch and listen.  By watching others perform you are instilling the concept of "If s/he can do that, I can to that."

When I (Michael) was a young high school drummer, I listened to Dave Brubeck's recordings and tried to emulate his drummer's solos.  I went back recently and watched a YouTube clip of Joe Morello, Mr. Brubeck's drummer, and it struck me how much Morello had influenced my own drumming style.  

Carolyn loves to listen to the musical brilliance of Diana Krall; a performer who has inspired her to try new improvisational riffs on the piano. 

Here is the critical principle:  

Emulate good and wholesome role models. 

Carolyn Biggs

206-226-5693
csbiggs@gmail.com
Steps and Skips

Tips for the Developing Musician