Wishes verses commitment

1. Clear long-term goals that can be broken down into small actionable steps.

Wishes verses commitment
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Many people want to play the piano. A few people must play the piano. The many are vague, the committed are focused.

A committed student says things like, “I want to pick up where I left off 30 years ago and finish my grade 8 piano, can you help me?” Or, “I want to play piano duets with my children, or grandchildren to support them in their piano studies? Or, “I want to play in a band”. Or, “I’m deeply in love with Beethoven’s op. 1. I played level 10 in my youth. Now, life has given me the time to get back to it. Please help me get back into shape”. “I love the romance of piano lounge jazz. Can you show me how to improvise like Diana Krall?”

The small actionable steps needed to proceed will vary by the student’s background, but the steps will revolve around the following:

1. Repertoire: what you signed up for. We may have to spend some time preparing your hands to play at the desired level.
2. Sight-reading: far more than playing at sight, competent sight-readers learn music quicker, much quicker.
3. Ear training: all music is ultimately played by ear. There is a saying you can only play at the level you can hear. Learning to listen deeply, with guided help will, will open up the beauty of music on a much deeper level.
4. Theory: the musicians you admire know what they are doing. Theory is the key to understanding what you see and hear in music. Also, it is the key to solidly memorising music.
5. Duets: a fun way to learn to emote in music, train the ear, and share the experience.

Syllabi, such as the Royal Conservatory of music provide, break down the learning process in small actionable steps. Jazz pedagogy does the same. I’ve also created one for recreational players who come to my studio. I will create or direct you to the appropriate syllabi.
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I look forward to working with you.
 
Best regards,
 
David

PS. Click on the picture below to learn more about adult learning. You will be directed the magazine's website. A valuable resourse.