The Work of Music

 Practicalities  No Responses »
Feb 282012
 
The Work of MusicFor some adult students, the love of music creates a paralysis of learning that is remarkable and surprising. We always assume that the love of a subject is an important ingredient in learning; but too much can get in the way. For some, music is so precious and wonderful that their awe of it makes it hard to approach the nitty-gritty work necessary for mastery of the common physical tasks of music making. read the rest

What I Learned about Teaching Children From Teaching Adults

 Featured, Issues  4 Responses »
Feb 272012
 
What I Learned about Teaching Children From Teaching AdultsWhat I’ve learned from my adult students is that the bruises they suffered in their education as children and young adults interfere with their learning to play the piano much more than any problems of an aging mind or body. What I’ve learned to do for my students who are children is to try to do no harm. 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

What One Student Learned – Letters From St. Petersburg, Russia

 Issues  No Responses »
Jan 012004
 
What One Student Learned - Letters From St. Petersburg, RussiaThis installment of MusicalFossils is a series of e-mails written between Victoria (Vica) Achim, from Russia, and me. Most of them are hers. Vica is an adult amateur pianist studying in a culture where classical music is held in higher esteem than it is in the United States. Russia has (I do not know if this continues) a national system of musical education that seeks to find and develop the best and brightest young musicians as a national treasure, somewhat like athletes in the US. read the rest