Supporting Your Piano Pathway
Reflection by Andrew Eales
Because they are flexible, younger saplings can weather most storms, but older trees are not always so fortunate. Lao Tzu observed this comparison:
“When we are born, we are supple and tender like a young plant. When we die we become rigid and unyielding.
The ten thousand beings, including plants and grasses, when young are soft and pliable. At their death they are dry and brittle. Therefore we say that the stiff and unyielding are the companions of death.
The soft and yielding are the followers of life. A mighty tree may be strong, yet its branches may be broken off.
The hard and unyielding will fall, while the soft and yielding will overcome.”
Tao te Ching, 76, abbreviated from the translation by Solala Towler
For piano players, there are multiple applications for this wisdom, from physical technique to practice strategy.
But in this post, I want to focus on how Lao Tzu’s advice is relevant for those of us who teach. Let’s consider the important lessons here for staying flexible in our educational approach, studio practices, and professional outlook…
The Importance of Roots
The ability of the sapling to bend with the breeze depends on its roots. Our roots as piano teachers comprise our musical knowledge, ability to play and teach, and our competence helping learners develop the techniques, understanding and musicality that will become their own roots.
Our roots knot together our professional training, musical ability, personal intuition, life experience, and honest reflection. They cannot be summarised on a certificate. But the deeper they are, the more flexible and accomplished we become.
Continuing Nourishment
Trees require continuing nourishment, and develop complex root systems that efficiently gather nutrients and moisture from the soil. Meanwhile, sunlight and air are essential for energy production, growth, and overall health.
We similarly need ongoing nourishment, and it is easily available through continuing professional development: courses, webinars, mentoring, lessons, practice, listening, and research. We can regularly attend events, network with colleagues, and positively engage with the wider piano education community.
Avoiding Entropy
Roots secure, well nourished, we can enjoy a lifetime career as responsive, successful teachers. Here are some of those “stay fresh strategies” that I have found helpful throughout my teaching career:
- Offer flexible lesson scheduling, formats, and payment options that make learning accessible, with fair business policies that reflect compassionate boundaries while meeting client needs.
- Tailor lessons to meet the unique requirements and interests of each student, ensuring their bespoke learning experience evolves effectively as they progress.
- Confidently rely on familiar material that forms the foundation of your teaching, while eagerly incorporating new repertoire and resources each year for continued growth and enrichment.
- Involve learners in choosing the music they play, increasing their engagement in setting musical goals.
- Be aware of the emotional and practical needs of learners. When a student is struggling, adapt to provide extra support and encouragement as needed.
- Encourage students to explore their own creative projects, such as improvising, composing, creating arrangements, or collaborating with others.
- Discuss any concerns that arise or changes needed in lesson plans or policies, encouraging input and considering feedback.
- Remember: lessons exist for the student, not the teacher.
Knowing our limits
With flexibility, we can foster a more supportive learning environment. We can weather our changing world with grace and ease. But ultimately, a tree can only bend with the wind so far, and for so long.
Experienced teachers can nourish the development of those who follow, passing on knowledge, ideas and experience. But younger colleagues must flex in new directions, ultimately securing their own exciting path.
At the right time, we can rest, content that the future of piano education is in good hands.
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