Fermata • The Pianodao Blog
Short Reflections by Andrew Eales
Because they are flexible, younger saplings can weather most storms, but older trees are not always so fortunate.
Observing this natural phenomenon, the great Daoist sage Lao Tzu made a helpful 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 they are 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 the followers of life. A mighty tree may be strong, yet its branches can be broken off. The hard and unyielding will fall, while the soft and yielding will overcome.”
Tao te Ching, 76, adapted from the translation by Solala Towler
For piano players, there are multiple applications for this wisdom, from physical technique (the soft overcomes the stiff) 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 the quality, health, continuing growth, and network of 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.
They tie together our professional training, musical ability and creative intuition, life experience, connection with colleagues, learning from others, and develop with honest reflection.
Our roots certainly cannot be summarised on a certificate. But the deeper they are, the more flexible and accomplished we become. And we need to make an effort to develop strong roots and care for them.
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.
Pianodao also offers a range of support for teachers, from hundreds of free articles about teaching and reviews of educational resources and repertoire, to in-person advice and mentoring.
Avoiding Entropy
Roots secure and well nourished, we can continue to enjoy a lifetime career as responsive, successful teachers. We are immensely privileged!
Here are some of the strategies that I have found enabling throughout my career, which have helped me stay fresh and engaged in my teaching, and made it possible for my studio to thrive even during the drier seasons:
- 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.
- Encourage students to explore their own creative projects, such as improvising, composing, creating arrangements, or collaborating with others.
- Be aware of the emotional and practical needs of learners. When a student is struggling, adapt to provide extra support and encouragement as needed.
- Offer flexible lesson scheduling, formats, and payment options that make learning accessible, with fair business policies that reflect compassionate boundaries while meeting client needs.
- 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.
Those of us who are more experienced teachers should feel comfortable passing on our knowledge and skills to the younger generation of teachers who follow us. We can nourish their development with patience and generosity, passing on knowledge, ideas and experience.
But younger colleagues must also flex in new directions, responding to the winds of change and securing their own exciting path.
And ultimately, a tree can only bend with the wind so far, and for so long. And at the right time, having taught well and nourished the roots of another generation of piano players and teachers, we can rest content in the knowledge that we leave the future of piano education in good hands.
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