Music and the arts offer our children an extraordinary gift—one that stretches far beyond talent, trophies, or technique.
In today’s world of instant gratification, same-day delivery, and short attention spans, the deep value of an artistic education can be easily overlooked. But here at Donais Studios, we see it every single day: the slow and steady transformation of young people who stick with it. Who practice. Who learn to show up for themselves and others. Who stretch and grow.
Yes—learning an instrument, committing to a choir, or developing a creative skill takes time. It can be difficult. It demands focus, patience, and grit. But the process is the gift. And when our kids stay with it—when they engage with the early challenges—they don’t just become better musicians or dancers or artists. They become more confident. More courageous. More capable. More joyful.Â
They discover the life-changing truth: Everything is figureoutable!
If you haven’t heard this phrase before, it was coined by entrepreneur and business guru Marie Forleo—and it’s one of the most empowering mindsets and skillset we can pass on to the next generation.
👉What does it mean exactly?
It means no matter what challenge you face, no matter how big your dream or how tricky the obstacle, there’s always a path forward. You just have to break it down, take one small and intentional step at a time, and keep going with passion and perseverance.
💥And that’s exactly what artistic practice teaches us.
When a student first looks at a new piece of music or a blank canvas, they often feel overwhelmed. The task can feel insurmountable. But then we begin to work through it —bar by bar, brushstroke by brushstroke —breaking it down into small specific skills to be mastered, one at a time.Â
When we do this we train the brain and mind to:
- Approach problems or obstacles with curiosity instead of fear;
- Look for patterns and key relationships;
- Build consistent daily habits;
- Create an action plan;
- Focus on progress over perfection;
- Develop a mindset of mastery – one small step at a time;
- Tolerate uncertainty with grace;
- Self-regulate;
- Dream big with creativity and imagination while working steadily toward a goal;
- Enjoy the process of learning, growing and stretching.
This is more than music education. This is self-efficacy:Â belief in yourself and your abilities. Wellness. Happiness.
When a young person learns how to figure things out—especially when it’s challenging—they become unstoppable. They gain the CONFIDENCE to solve meaningful problems, contribute to their communities, and approach their world and life with resilience and creativity.
So yes, the arts are beautiful. They’re expressive. They connect us to one another and to something greater. They speak to our hearts.
But most importantly?
 They remind our kids who they are. And show them that no matter what life sends their way – they can figure anything out.
Keep singing,
Andrea “I can figure it out” Donais
P.S. If your child is ready to discover what they’re truly capable of, we’d love to invite them to one of our upcoming RISE Experience Days—a free, fun-filled morning of music, connection, and creativity with RISE Children’s Choir. Come see how the arts can ignite confidence and show every child that everything is figureoutable.
Â
Join us Saturday, May 17 or Saturday, June 7 from 9:30–11:30 AM at Brevik Hall, Aurora Cultural Centre.
👉 Click here to register – spots are limited and filling quickly!