Learning Fast?

A student recently posted a question of what they can do to learn songs faster. I thought this response was appropriate for everyone... I know it helps me to work hard, but enjoy the journey... knowing it is a process over time.

"In regards to learning... that one is simple... Knowledge Begets Knowledge. Each song you learn develops specific skill sets that can be used for future learning. In other words, every song you study creates a subconscious knowledge base of movement, breathing, articulation, tongue location (e.i., tongue blocking, bending and tone), rhythm, etc. In other-other words, keep at it, this process gets faster over time. After a couple of years you'll start to surprise yourself how fast you'll be able to pickup some melodies (similar in some way to something you've learned in the past) and how long it will take to learn others (new material for your brain to build neural pathways for). Either way, it's a ride... enjoy the journey... it's a process we all go through... a process... not something to get over with as fast as possible."