Student Focus Threshold

As established deadlines approach and  the pressure to complete projects mounts, some students start to suddenly realize that their use of time did not necessarily go as planned.  For some, it's due to things beyond their control: got sick and had to miss class, needed gear was unavailable for one reason or another, etc. (I'm not gonna go into the ways it is within their control, but you can assume what you like - it's not that much of a stretch.  Anyway...) 

When this happens, invariably I will get asked if there is an option for an extension of some kind.  In many cases, I grant one - I am certainly not going to penalize a student for things they cannot control - but, that is not always best for them in the long run.  Sure, in the controlled environment of a classroom, moving a date is easy and does not usually. in truth, create a lasting, direct, negative impact on anyone or anything.  Certainly, I am not going to suffer any consequences over any thing of that nature as the instructor - frankly, I am still not sure anyone really understands what I teach any way to be able to draw any sort of erudite conclusions (myself included.)

But, indirectly, the result could be really devastating.  I do not mean to be overly dramatic, but think about it for a moment.  A student learns that deadlines are generally flux.  They learn to not be quite so specific with them.  They, in a very real sense, lessen their chances for continued employment.  Truly.  If you keep missing deadlines, no matter what the reason, your clients, at some point, start to go somewhere else.

So recently I have chosen a different take on this sometimes seemingly pervasive issue.  "What's your threshold for focus?"  The answer to this question for any student (to be fair, in any pursuit, not just music) is the key.  At what point of compensation are you willing to get the job done regardless of the time limits or gear issues or whatever other parameter is impeding completion? The details are not really relevant, oddly enough.  It's actually simple economics.  At some point, in their mind, there is a threshold where their full focus will kick in regardless of the details to complete the work.  At some point they will do whatever it takes because the compensation is worth the hassle.

Maybe it's $10; or $100; or $1000; or $10,000; or whatever.  Again, the details, in this case, are not the issue.  The only issue is simply that the threshold does exist; and once identified we can establish work ethic, work quality, and any number of other relevant base-lines.  And if a student can identify their specific threshold and then treat every project like that point has been met, well, they can accomplish literally anything they set their skills to.

Of course, I cannot pay them in anything but a grade, but it is clear to me that the students who take their work seriously are already exploring where their focus threshold is.  My hope is that they all someday are in situations where they can dictate the terms of a deal with a client and eclipse that threshold.  And maybe send me some small percentage as a token for having set them on the path in the first place...ha!