Music Teaching Tips

Note: The MMTA Theory Projects are explained in detail in the auditions insert of the Spring issue of MMTA Notes. Theory Projects are due in the fall and displayed at the MMTA conference in November.

Teachers, parents, and students have a remarkable volume of videos, books, software and teaching methods available to assist in the process of learning to play the piano. Our learning material and teaching software reviews aim to provide our visitors with useful evaluations before they invest. Each of our reviews is performed by a full-time piano teacher with an active studio. Each software review is done in collaboration with a computer expert and is based on many hours spent actually using the product in the studio environment.

Piano lesson myths are so ingrained into our culture and our consciousness that it almost seems silly to counter them. But on close examination, even the most "obvious" beliefs about piano study and piano practice are not only wrong, they are damaging to the individual who is bound by their chains. This material is an attempt to help pianists of all levels be liberated from such mental constraints, attitudes and assumptions regarding piano lessons, so that they might truly reach their goals.

"My teacher will drop me if I make a lot of mistakes."

Reality: Most teachers enjoy teaching and are inspired when they see someone who really tries and is diligent with their practice. In fact, good teachers PREFER to witness your mistakes so they can help you not only fix the problem, but learn how to avoid the problem in the future. This could be in the realms of practicing suggestions, fingering, hand position, eye movements and more. If you have latent mistakes that you somehow are able to hide for the lesson, the teacher may not be able to help you fix these hidden problems, which means that they may appear later when you are performing. Also, fear of making mistakes tends to distract you from the music and will actually CAUSE the very mistakes you were trying to avoid! So, never be afraid to make mistakes for your teacher.

"I have to study classical music before I can play pop or jazz."

"Children learn faster than adults."

"Since I didn't begin studying piano as a child it I'll never be able to play well as an adult."

"I should study finger technique before playing actual music."

"I must practice every day."

“Long sessions of practice time are best.”

“If I take a break from piano practice, I’ll have to work harder to make up for lost time.”

“Reading finger numbers is just for beginners.”

“I should never write in the sheet music.”

“I should never look at my hands when I play.”

“I must always look ahead when reading music.”

“Forcing a child to study piano is for their own good and they will appreciate it later.”

“Once I can play hands together, I don’t need to continue practicing hands separately.”

“If something seems too easy at the piano, I must be doing it wrong.”

“I could never be a great pianist if I don’t have long, slender fingers.”

“Improvisation is something I will only be able to do in the future, after I understand theory better.”

“When initially learning piano, it is good training to ‘lift the fingers high with precision.’”

“When practicing, I should never rush.”