When your child was small, you tied her shoes. But there came a day when it was time for the child to tie her own shoes.
This was not easy. It was not easy for the child, and it was not easy for you. You could do it faster, and more effectively. The child was frustrated with their inability.
But you knew that if you continued to tie the child’s shoes, she would never learn. And you knew that by tying her shoes every time, the child would soon become proficient. She would learn.
When you maintain constant control of the rehearsal pace, long-term vision, and musical decisions, you are a parent failing to let the child tie her own shoes.
What can you do today to empower your students? Can you stand back and let them tie their own shoes? It will be less efficient, less productive, less polished in the end – but it will be a step to giving self-efficacy to your students.