Why Guitar Students' Unrealistic Mental Projections Can Sabotage Their Progress
- Ivan Cardozo
- Aug 3
- 4 min read
A Stoic Principle for Musical Mastery
The ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus taught us that happiness comes not from having what we want, but from wanting what we have. This timeless wisdom applies profoundly to guitar learning. If one is always focused on what one thinks is missing—those complex techniques, those lightning-fast solos, those intricate arrangements—one can never truly enjoy what one actually possesses right now.
The reality is that nothing's missing because we can only play what our skill level permits us to play at that particular moment. No one and nothing can rush nature; nature will make one yield invariably to what she prescribes. The moment we understand that concept, we'll be able to accept our momentary limitations and keep working patiently and devotedly to get to where we want to get, to play what we want to play.
This philosophical foundation isn't merely abstract thinking—it's practical wisdom that transforms frustrated students into fulfilled musicians.
I'm Ivan Cardozo and I am a professional guitar instructor based in Boston, offering both in-person and online guitar lessons worldwide. I Specialise in comprehensive musical education, I help students build lasting skills and genuine musical understanding
The Danger of Biting Off More Than You Can Chew
As a guitar teacher in Boston with years of experience teaching both locally and online worldwide, I've witnessed countless students fall into the same mental trap. Whilst it's absolutely healthy and encouraged to want to progress in your guitar playing, many students make the critical error of "biting off more than they can chew." This seemingly innocent ambition can lead to crushing frustration and, tragically, complete abandonment of the instrument.
The root of this problem? Students haven't yet reached the technical level that would allow them to play what their minds tell them they should be playing.
A Real-World Example from My Boston Guitar Studio
Just this week, I had a fascinating lesson that perfectly illustrates this challenge. One of my students, who's been with me for approximately three months, exemplifies both dedication and natural musical ability. He possesses a brilliant ear for music and shows genuine commitment to his practice. However, he invariably wants to be somewhere else in his playing journey rather than embracing where he actually is.
During our recent session, he expressed frustration about wanting to play complex rhythm patterns—the same intricate patterns I occasionally demonstrate casually over chord progressions. These demonstrations serve as examples of what's possible to achieve at some point, when a student reaches sufficient maturity and fluidity in their playing. Something that can only come with time and unwavering dedication.
Currently, this student is working on:
4-note chord progressions
Pentatonic scale patterns
Classical fingerpicking technique (which is my preferred teaching method)
Now, some might argue that this curriculum is already quite complex for someone who was at level zero just 3-4 months ago. However, this observation misses a crucial point about guitar pedagogy and student psychology.
The Psychology Behind Unrealistic Expectations
Why Students Rush Their Progress
Many guitar students, particularly adults, arrive with preconceived notions about their learning timeline. They've watched YouTube videos of virtuoso performances or heard their favourite songs and imagine themselves playing at that level within months. This mental projection creates an internal pressure that works against natural learning progression.
The Importance of Foundation Building
As a professional guitar instructor, I've learned that solid foundations are non-negotiable. Every advanced technique, every complex rhythm pattern, every beautiful musical phrase is built upon fundamental skills that must be thoroughly mastered first.
When students attempt to skip these foundational steps, they often experience:
Technical inconsistency
Muscle tension and poor posture
Decreased musical enjoyment
Slower overall progress
Risk of developing bad habits
The Solution: Embracing Your Current Level
Understanding the Infinite Journey
The study of the guitar is not a destination but a journey that never ends—a journey that can take one to places one has never been or seen, a journey that can make one express one's deepest emotions through melody and harmony. This endless voyage of discovery is not a burden; it's the very essence of what makes guitar playing so profoundly rewarding.
I encourage all my students to enjoy this journey, to make an effort in seeing the wonder of each stage in their development. Instead of lamenting limitations, cultivate the habit of saying "I can now play this" rather than "I can't play that." This simple shift in perspective transforms frustration into celebration and obstacles into milestones.
Celebrating Small Victories
The key to sustainable guitar progress lies in celebrating where you are right now. That four-note chord progression you're practising? It's the building block for every complex rhythm pattern you'll ever play. Those pentatonic scales? They're the foundation of countless guitar solos across every genre.
Each technique you master, no matter how seemingly simple, opens new doorways to musical expression. The fingerpicking pattern you're learning today will one day allow you to weave intricate musical tapestries that speak directly from your soul to the souls of your listeners.
Trust the Process
In my experience teaching guitar lessons in Boston and online, students who trust their instructor's curriculum and embrace their current level consistently outperform those who rush ahead. The guitar rewards patience, consistency, and methodical progress.
Professional Guitar Teaching: The Ivan Cardozo Approach
At ivancardozo.com, I specialise in guiding students through a structured, progressive curriculum that builds genuine competence whilst maintaining motivation. My teaching philosophy centres on:
Classical fingerpicking technique as a foundation
Methodical skill building
Realistic goal setting
Celebrating incremental progress
Building musical understanding alongside technical ability
Whether you're seeking guitar lessons in Boston or prefer online guitar instruction, my approach ensures you develop both the technical skills and musical maturity necessary for long-term success.
Take Action: Start Your Musical Journey Properly
Don't let unrealistic expectations sabotage your guitar dreams. Instead, invest in proper instruction that will guide you through a proven learning pathway.
Ready to begin your guitar journey the right way?
🎸 Book your consultation today at ivancardozo.com 📞 Contact me directly for personalised guitar instruction 🌟 Join students worldwide who are building lasting musical skills
Whether you're in Boston looking for local lessons or anywhere in the world seeking quality online instruction, I'm here to help you achieve your musical goals—at the right pace, with the right foundation.
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