This episode is a series of 4 on the timeline through different routes. 1. Academic (continuation through school), 2. Music, 3. Arts and 4. Sports. The musical route is still under definition as I am living through it. I described a timeline with my generic experience and people I met.

Music journeys are a true test of passion, commitment, discipline, resilience and resources (time and money). The journey is very subjective, ups and downs so I will need to explore the mental aspects. I wrote a list below for discussion. There are a few points.

• Passion for music could stem from exploring different genres from classical, pop, rap, jazz, and so on. There is a music listen list, like a reading list. Contact the music specialists at your local music school or colleague. I am sure first they would be surprised that someone would ask for such a list. Secondly, I am sure they will be happy to know someone is really interested in music.
• Select an instrument (will stay with for a long time) – A better sounding instrument helps with confidence. Instruments vary in costs and size. A recorder compared to a harp is at different ends of the scales.
• Find the instrument teachers – Selecting instrument teachers is a complicated process. I have huge respect for the teachers who would go the extra mile for their students. For example, arranging duets and supporting students at music competitions. (This is an extra bonus, not an expectation).
• Instrument lessons – Music lesson is that 30 (or more) minutes a week lesson. I previously wrote about optimising efficiency and to an extent online lessons do that. I think for a younger child, it is difficult to expect them to take in the details from the teacher. Personally I recommend adult attend lessons too. I do not expect 7 years old to remember the details so what are they practising?
• Practise should structured and just time limited. 15 minutes a day is great, however, being structured for 15 minutes or more is probably better. Ensuring bad techniques are not practised is an important part of practising. Is it better to not practise or practise bad technique?
• Auditions – Good to get audition opportunities to hear what the experts’ opinions are. Although success and failure will impact confidence. I think there are four aspects; Current skills, Musicality, Passion, and Potential.
• Music competitions – Opportunity to play to others in a relatively controlled environment. There are non competitive options which offer great experience playing in public.
• Small groups – play with musicians at a similar level. Music journey can be lonely but small groups can make it more fun.
• Ensembles – play in a group to develop listening to others and following the conductor.
• Summer music camps – Opportunity to meet other musicians and observe different styles and take part in masterclasses.
• Social media profile – a video is great to match the practise, you can see what can be improved and subsequent improvements are rewarding. Eventually on can make the 1 minute, 1 day, 1 year, 10 year instrument learning video and go viral…
• Specialist music schools all have different levels of reputation. So there are variance among music schools but basically pupils will spend more time on their music. My theory is that the more time one spent on their instruments with master level guidance,
• SECOND instruments – repeat all of the above.

If after all that, you still like music, then great!