Thursday, September 18, 2008

A YEAR OF CHANGE: PERHAPS READING ABOUT IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO YOU


Hello Dear Friends and Viewers,

I am sorry I have been so absent. I've been rather busy and engaged with my life. Just a short note to let you know I am well, and to extend good thoughts and prayers to you for happiness, creativity, and an abundance of all good things in each of your lives.

It has been an unusual year for me. The Universe, since about last November has made it clear to me that this is a time in which I am to reformulate my life and mode of living, including the areas of finances, health, spirituality, schedule, inner peace, balance, rest... in short, in just about all ways. I have been working on all of these things, making changes and adjustments (sometimes almost daily) since last November (since the Universe won't stop making it clear that this is to occur!)

It is as though something big is going to happen in my life or in the world, and I need to be ready and in the proper "mode" when it does. It also feels as though I am getting older, and I am preparing/being prepared for the long 20 year stretch to retirement (if I ever do get to retire... lol... like many self employed people, it's difficult to save for this milestone in human life.)

The latest change includes a reduction in the number of hours spent performing and in teaching/coaching each week. I am still doing both, but the reduction will reduce stress in my life significantly. Also, my schedule is now the same each day. When I can truly stick to my schedule (it's only default mode) I get up, work, nap, recreate, create, teach/perform, have time with my "boo" and doggie, eat, and go to sleep at the same time each day. I need this consistency (as well as the flexibility of realizing the schedule is just default mode) each day.

I do feel all these changes (both those described in the paragraph above, and those which have been made as I have gone through this phase of change over the course of the last year) have been most beneficial and instructive to me as a human being, soul, artist, teacher, musician, writer, recording artist, etc... beneficial to all the aspects of me, and to me as a whole.

I tend to define myself by what I do, though I know this is not me in totality. I enjoy doing so many things which hopefully bless others. I have accepted that I have many different aspects, some of them seemingly disparate. But it seems now I am being instructed to slow down, rest, and be content with the many things I have created and done in life. I feel guided to make sure that I am peaceful, balanced and rested at all times. I am being "encouraged" to just "be."
I think just letting go, going slowly and quietly, accepting myself (and all my aspects and limitations) may be the message of this year, and its insistence that I find a more restful, balanced mode of living.

It does not matter what others think, or what the "old push push push Michael" would think.

From now on:

  • I go slowly and quietly at all times.

  • I have a great "schedule" but I rest till I am rested, create when it feels right, and open my body, mind and spirit to ever increasing peace and balance.

  • I make constant adjustments to my "schedule" each day, and it's ok... Its just default mode anyway. (I think I just made a little poem... I like it!... lol).

  • I constantly prioritize and re-prioritize on a daily, hourly, minute by minute basis, so that I am able to deal with all that "needs doing" without driving myself crazy. I use this wonderful tool, the computer, to assist me. I am so grateful that I have devised a series of "schedule files" for the day, week, etc to help me stay organized. You all should see them. They would make my super-organized father very proud. My weekly schedule is even color-coded, indicating various aspects of my life (the body, work, creating, teaching and performing, etc) so that I can see at a glance if I am in balance.

  • I thank the Universe for the idea of a "computer pad" and handwritten pad by my bedside, which both now help me to just jot things down when I am worried about something, or have an inspiration in the middle of the night. Jotting things down is so much better than lying awake worrying or getting up and working on something in the middle of sleep time. So sorry, muse, but balance and rest is taking priority. I was so faithful to you, dear muse, when I was younger... Now, I am older and must rest! ("I grow old, I grow old... I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled!")

  • I open to receive more wonderful ideas like the above "pads." This year (and every year) should be about opening to, receiving, and implementing guidance from the Universe/our Higher Self.

  • I do what I can do each day... and not more.

  • If I should die "before I wake," it's ok... I've had a good long run, did and created many things, all of which expressed myself and hopefully helped others. If I don't finish all creative projects, it's ok... Since we are all connected, just the act of working on them, the intention of doing and expressing something good, helped others and sent good energy out into the world.

  • I accept and integrate all aspects of me, disparate as they might seem to the world. I am glad I am multi-faceted. So many Michaels. This is good.

  • My life must fit me, if I am to be at peace, healthy, happy, creative, productive, etc. (And I must be these things... we all must if we are not to be in a state of dis-ease). I am blessed and happy.

  • I continue to believe that I can manifest abundantly whatever good, loving thing I can dream of. Thank you, God (who according to my current understanding is in all things and IS all things!... No separation... God in the grass, my brother and sister... It's all God... all one big God...There is ONLY love or the absence of love).

  • I choose love and light.

  • I choose and choose again every day, every minute.

I send love and light to each of you. As Garrison Keillor would say, "Be happy, do good work, and keep in touch."

-Michael :)

Sunday, May 4, 2008

A LETTER TO MY STUDENTS


Dear Readers,

I just composed a "letter to my students" for use in the packet I give to my students when they begin lessons with me. This packet now contains this new letter, plus policies, and a schedule of times we will have lessons (and won't). Thought my blog readers might like to see the letter, since it contains info about me and about my teaching. I think it has some good advice for all students and an interesting outlook for teachers to consider as well.

Hope you all are well and happy.

Michael

**********************


A LETTER TO MY STUDENTS
from Michael D. Purvis, BME


Dear Students,

This letter is written in an attempt to tell you a little about myself, since I am your new teacher. In addition, it will give you a good idea about what the possibilities are for you in regards to instruction here in my studio. Finally, it addresses how you might make the most of your learning experience.


About me, your teacher:

My education and related experience…
My education includes a Bachelor of Music Education from Butler University and masters work from Butler and IU in literature, art and music. During the course of my career, I have taught music in public school and private study settings, performed extensively as a professional musician, lectured on music and the arts for activity professional certification courses and The Indiana Alzheimer’s Association, and created arts programming for the elderly in all elder settings. I have, as well, administrated and designed curricula for a children’s theatre, implemented a major Eli Lilly grant involving children and theatre, worked with children with special needs for Very Special Arts, produced, written and directed an educational television show for cable TV, directed various children’s and adult choirs, and acted and music-directed for community theatre.

My creative life…
Since my college graduation, over 20 years ago, I have taught many students, ages 6 – 100, in a variety of subjects in music and the arts. I have, as well, performed over 6,000 professional musical performances for elders living in various settings. Finally, I’ve written (and often illustrated) many books for children, youths, young adults, adults and senior citizens in various genres, including: fiction, poetry, self-help, and home-study instruction. In many instances, I’ve created audio and video versions of my writings. To see these offerings, visit my websites: Music-Outreach.com, Abundantchange.com, and PlaySingNDream.com.

About my studio and specifics about my teaching:

About my studio…
When one enters my home and studio, it is evident that I love to do many things. There are traces of my loves wherever one looks: on the walls and floor, in every nook and cranny. In my home and studio, I currently teach, write, paint, craft, illustrate, make recordings and films, publish my creations, and create web-sites. Somehow, I manage to do all of this in limited space. If you have to step over an easle, computer, loom, or microphone to get to the piano bench, I do apologize in advance. (I try my best to keep it all organized and artfully arranged as possible, but it is a bit cramped. Hopefully, all that aside, it’s an inspiring place for you to receive instruction!)

Specifics about my teaching…
I instruct students in guitar, piano, voice, music composition, and music theory. I also incorporate life coaching, when appropriate. I enjoy sharing expertise and helping others to gain knowledge and fulfillment. I sometimes teach just one thing to a given student. Often, to meet a student’s goals, I craft a course of study which includes several things. I utilize my background, experience, and education (which includes teaching, literature, music, art and drama) to create a special individualized curriculum for each of my students. In short, I help persons of various ages get where they want to go… personally, creatively and professionally.

What sort of students come to my studio, and what do they hope to learn?...
If they are very young, my students come to me to begin their experience with the arts. If they are a young adult, they are often trying to sharpen their skills and break into a career in the arts where they will be performing on the stage, performing music, writing, or composing. (Sometimes it’s all of these!) If someone comes to me in middle or old age, it is often because they are on a sort of personal quest to express or fulfill themselves. They have reached a certain age and find that something is “missing.” Studying an instrument or the voice is often just the ticket to help them find that sense of personal fulfillment or expression they feel they are lacking.


How can you make the most of your learning experience?...


Whatever your reason for entering my studio, I welcome you…
Together, we will work hard to help you achieve your dream. Remember, though… it’s a process. You came here with a goal… but enjoy the process. While you are in the midst of your process, you are already doing what you came here to do! It’s not, “Gosh, when will I ever learn to play guitar/piano/sing as well as I had hoped?!?” Instead, it’s, “Hooray! I’m doing what I came here to do! I’m enjoying this!”

Work steadily, daily, in the organized structure I provide…
But also help me adjust that structure and your assignments (if needed) by communicating often about your progress, feelings, disappointments, and successes. If there is special music or a special assignment that you want to incorporate into your practice, let’s find it together. That way you will have special material which motivates you. This can be key in helping you to enjoy your study and keep up your momentum.

Finally, remember that daily practice is the key to success…
Make practice a part of your daily life, even if some days you can only do a few minutes. Just as lunch, sleep, and teeth brushing are a part of your routine, so is practice! Daily practice, as opposed to intermittent practice, will help you to experience what I call “the music fairies.” If you practice each day, while you sleep at night, the music fairies will come and wave a magic wand over you. (This sounds goofy, but hear me out.) Then, when you practice the next day, all of a sudden that thing you have been struggling with will be magically better! (It’s sort of like the tooth fairy, only better!).

If you practice daily, your progress and your joy will be increased…
Remember, “Slow and steady wins the race.” So get as close to daily practice as you can. Doing something every day is preferable to a marathon practice just before your lesson (although, FYI, the marathon is better than no practice at all! )

______________________________

Ok, that’s enough for now… Please take a look at the policies and schedule attached. I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,
Michael :)