The Unexpected Power of Disinterest: Finding Value Where You Least Expect It

We've all felt it. That disconnect. That sense that what we're being asked to learn just…doesn’t matter. Braden Bissegger's recent devotional talk at LDS Business College beautifully illustrates this, and it resonated deeply with the Rogue Musicians ethos. It’s not about excelling in every subject; it’s about rediscovering the inherent value in learning itself, and finding pathways that truly resonate – often, unexpectedly.

Bissegger's story isn't about a musical prodigy suddenly illuminating the world with a concerto. It’s about a young man who felt 'dumb' in school, slept through math class, and ultimately dropped out at 18. It's a narrative of disinterest, disillusionment, and a surprising reawakening.

His experience highlights a crucial point for us, as Rogue Musicians and educators: the rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to learning can actively *dampen* a student’s enthusiasm. When someone feels labeled as incapable, their engagement plummets. When the perceived value of an activity is absent, motivation evaporates. And when that disconnect occurs, even the most powerful lessons fall on deaf ears.

What’s particularly striking is how his disinterest in school bled into a detachment from the gospel. It's a stark reminder that a lack of engagement in one area often impacts others. But the turning point came when he began to perform well at work, sparking a nascent sense of self-worth and a questioning of his earlier assumptions.

This is where the music connection becomes vital. Bissegger's initial reaction to a different arrangement of a hymn – expecting the standard hymnbook version – demonstrates the power of unexpected beauty. It’s a moment of discovery, of realizing that there’s more to the world than what we initially perceive. That’s precisely what we strive for in the Rogue Musicians community: to unlock the hidden potential within each student, to show them that music isn’t just notes on a page, but a vibrant, dynamic form of expression and a potent tool for learning.

Think about it: rhythm and repetition, deeply ingrained in music, are the most efficient ways to embed information in the mind. Scripture set to music, hymns passed down through generations – these are not mere traditions; they are powerful memory aids, leveraging the inherent musicality of the human brain. The Mighty Musician Kit, the Stripling Musician curriculum, the BYOK BYOStripe initiative – these are all designed to tap into that power, to provide accessible and engaging musical learning experiences that resonate with individual needs.

Bissegger's journey underscores the importance of flexibility and individualized instruction. It’s about meeting students where they are, acknowledging their struggles, and helping them find their own path to understanding. It's about creating an environment where failure isn't a judgment but an opportunity for growth, and where the joy of discovery outweighs the pressure of performance.

Let’s encourage our Rogue Schoolers – and ourselves – to embrace that spirit of inquiry, to question assumptions, and to find value in the unexpected. Perhaps a little disinterest, a willingness to step outside the prescribed path, is exactly what’s needed to unlock a lifetime of learning.