How I Make The Most of My Lessons Through Note-taking

I used to go to my lesson and then try to remember what was said in my practice sessions. Was it effective? Sorta.

Then, about 4.5 years ago, I started taking notes after my lessons. Since then I have gotten more out of my lessons and it has helped my growth as an oboist. Here is how I do it.

1. When I take notes

I usually take notes after the lesson. During the lesson, I focus on what is being said and I stay in the moment. Taking notes as the teacher is speaking stops me from focussing on what they are saying.

After the lesson I brain dump everything I can remember. This helps reinforce what I learned during the lesson.

2. What I write

What to write? EVERYTHING.

All the different points and ideas can go into your notes. Anything from an overarching idea like “articulate this way” to something specific such as “in bar 5, do more legato.”

I write anything and everything that will help me remember the lesson.

3. Writing things that work for you

These are your notes and you can write whatever works for you. For instance, I write a lot of onomatopoeia. For example: “make the notes sound like ‘yum pum pum.’

Does it make sense to anyone else? No. Does it have to? No. It works for me.

Note-taking has transformed my growth from lesson to lesson and I highly encourage it.

Wishing you all the best in you musical endeavors,

Eleanor