The Difference Between Mean and Strict

 For Teachers  No Responses »
Mar 172013
 
It started when the mother of a 10 year-old student mentioned that she referred me to the mother of an 8 year-old for lessons. She characterized me as “strict but not mean.” Hmm, they are usually thought to be the same thing. I decided it meant that there were certain things that were necessary to learn before one can play well and play musically. read the rest

Adults Have Difficulty Converting Notation Into Musical Flow

 For Teachers  No Responses »
Feb 282012
 
Adults Have Difficulty Converting Notation Into Musical FlowAs beginners, children and adult piano students bring different mental abilities to the task of understanding music notation. As a result, I expect different paths for each group. Adults understand the concepts of note and rhythm faster than children do. They should, for adults’ minds, unlike children’s, are conceptual in nature. On the other hand, it’s hard for adults to grasp that notation is ultimately about sound and physical action. read the rest

Priorities for Teachers and Students

 For Teachers  No Responses »
Feb 282012
 
This is the transcript of my presentation given at the Levine Summer 2005 Pedagogy Workshop at the new Strathmore Arts Center on August 25, 2005. This workshop was sponsored by the Levine School of Music in Washington, DC. A Buddhist legend tells of the Prince of the mythological kingdom of Shambhala coming to the Buddha saying: Our people revere your teachings, but we cannot all become monks for we must work, have children and do the other activities that make life possible. read the rest

Overcoming the Power of Old Myths: Public and Private

 For Teachers  1 Response »
Feb 282012
 
Overcoming the Power of Old Myths: Public and PrivateWhen people learn that I teach adults, I’m always taken aback when they say:  “It must be so much more satisfying teaching adults than children because you know adults are taking lessons because they want to. This is today’s first myth. There is a prevalent misconception that teaching adults is easy. It’s just not true. Yes, adults want their lessons (so do my young students, for that matter) but wanting something doesn’t automatically provide motivation. read the rest

Teachers: Starting and Stopping Lessons

 For Teachers, Practicalities  1 Response »
Jun 172009
 
The question of choosing a music teacher comes up often on the Musical Fossils message board so I’ve decided to review the topic in detail. Choosing a new teacher, getting rid of an existing teacher, or being dismissed by a teacher are all complex situations. In this article I will discuss what I’ve learned over the years about these issues. read the rest

Carrying One’s Authority with Other Adults

 For Teachers  No Responses »
Nov 232004
 
Carrying One's Authority with Other AdultsTraditionally, we teachers learned to play the piano when we were young. We felt very differently about our various teachers than adults do. Our youthful models of teacher-student relationships are of limited use in our dealings with adult students. Kids are well trained to respond to teachers’ authority and they defy this authority at their peril. read the rest

NO, Lessons Are not Just Therapy!

 For Teachers  No Responses »
Nov 232004
 
NO, Lessons Are not Just Therapy!I’m always confused when my colleagues say to me that adults just take lessons for therapy. Half the problem is these teachers misunderstand psychotherapy. Therapy is being responsible for the mental health of an individual client and, I assure you, I never assume that responsibility. It is not my place; I am not qualified; it is not why my students come to me. read the rest
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