Supporting Your Piano Pathway
Reflection by Andrew Eales
In the ever-evolving landscape of piano education, our work as private teachers has transformed significantly in recent years, and I know many who are quietly struggling with a nagging sense of uncertainty about their continuing career prospects.
But by embracing a mindset that views challenge as an opportunity for growth, we can navigate uncertainty and face the future with positivity…
Contemporary challenges
With the recent cost of living crisis, it’s no surprise that people are reviewing their finances, prioritising essentials, and that some teachers have noticed they are getting more cancellations, and fewer new students. Those of us who are self-employed depend on our teaching income, so face financial strain ourselves if we lose several students at once.
Alongside these financial challenges, I’ve noticed (and seen many others comment) that children today seem to have many more interests than in the past, with correspondingly busier schedules, and that too much screen time may have shortened attention spans. All of this makes it more difficult for them to sustain piano practice and progress.
Meanwhile, we see that technology is changing how some learn the piano. In addition to the availability of online learning, we’re aware of the growing plethora of digital apps that promise great benefits with little outlay. And while I think we’re right to be skeptical about the results, we nevertheless wonder whether we might soon be obsolete!
It would be easy to view these many challenges and panic, overwhelmed by our concern for the future of piano education. As teachers, it’s one thing to understand that we may need to be more adaptable than in the past, and another to work out if, and how, we actually can be.
Those of us who have taught for many years can only offer limited advice, because today’s challenges differ from those we have previously encountered. But as I’ve said, I still see strong grounds for optimism as we face the future, and truly believe we can do so with positivism and verve.
Grounds for hope
For starters, I fundamentally believe in the power of good music to draw people together in their communities. Technology may offer interesting new opportunities for musical learning, but wherever you go you will find that people recognise the need for human connection and value social interaction. And in fact, I get a strong sense that people hunger for authenticity more than ever.
Technology may be able to show learners what to play, but most need a teacher to help them play WELL, and who can nurture them to become rounded musicians who keep on playing.
When students quit the piano it’s rarely due to lack of information. They can access that like never before, but it isn’t enough. Rather, as pieces become more difficult, they feel stuck, discouraged, and don’t believe they are improving. So they need help. The emotional regulation and motivation needed to continue playing need to be nourished by human encouragement, informed praise, and shared enthusiasm.
While music lessons require an investment in time and money, parents don’t just look at cost, they look at lasting value. They prioritise activities that they can see support the cultivation of concentration, perseverance, their child’s developing personal identity and confidence.
Piano lessons that offer stability, continuity, focus, and educational progression become more valuable in uncertain times, not less so. We saw this during the recent pandemic, with a strong commitment to maintaining lessons, even when they were diminished by the limitations of online learning.
Becoming a piano player is not simply about developing skill, it is character building, behaviour shaping, transformative. There isn’t, and likely never will be, an app for that.
Some suggestions
Here’s some practical tips to help teachers with student retention, studio growth, and foster local community music making:
- Regularly communicate the long-term developmental benefits of piano lessons, and don’t assume they are well-known.
- Emphasise progress and goal setting, highlighting value.
- Where money is tight, offer a more flexible scheduling arrangement rather than giving discounts. Teenagers and adults often prefer fortnightly lessons anyway.
- Organise shared music activities, such as group theory classes, adult piano gatherings, and informal pupil concerts.
- Try to foster community around your studio. Bring together players for shared masterclasses, duet and ensemble playing.
- Network with other local musicians and educators. Exchange ideas, collaborate on events, and refer students to each other to promote music in your area.
By remaining flexible, open to change and continuing development, we can find innovative ways to enhance our approach, attract new students, and maintain our passion for music education. Let’s grasp challenge as an opportunity for growth, and look forward to a positive future!
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