*Smart goals are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-based

The flute is a cruel mistress (it's a feminine word in the languages I can think of that do gendered nouns). To be more precise: she's a harsh but fair one. She holds up a mirror and gives instant feedback on how much effort you have put in, and how focused you are. For me: three consecutive days of not playing, and the high notes in the third register become elusive; thinking of anything but the piece in front of me, and my fingers stumble in the search for notes as I try to speed up some passages. Continue reading →