Here's where teachers go wrong: We forget we're the exceptions.
We’re the ones who decided to make music serious.
We are experienced, educated, and many of us have spent our lifetimes honing the skills we pass along to our students. We are in the minority of people who grew up taking music lessons and decided to make it our careers.
The truth is: sometimes this causes us to roll our eyes at the idea of playing piano “for fun”.
We mistakenly think a "playful" lesson experience means
lowering our standards,
ditching our expectations,
and letting students call all the shots...
…but NONE of these things are true.
I’ve been diving DEEP into research on the science of play, and I’ve unearthed some game-changing truths that will help teachers capitalize on the (much-needed!) benefits of play.
Best of all, you can do so without reinventing your entire approach or betraying your high expectations.
I'm Sharing My Research and it's MANY Applications to Music Lessons with YOU!
The Paradox of Play includes a lively 50 minute video presentation, as well as supplementary materials and follow-up resources. Let's all bring more PLAY to a world that desperately needs it!
Where Does "Paradox" Fit In?
“My Creative Expression must be the most important thing in the world to me, (if I am to live artistically), and it also must not matter at all, (if I am to live sanely).”
This is what Gilbert refers to as The Central Paradox, and I believe a similar duality is necessary for piano teachers. If we’re going to be effective AND keep our sanity in this work, we have to approach our teaching as entirely important – yet also inconsequential – at the same time.
…it sounds impossible, but it’s actually the “secret sauce” to a satisfying teacher life.
About Christina Whitlock
I fancy myself a friend and philosopher to the piano teaching profession. When it comes to TeacherLife, I've lived it all:
...I began my career at age 14, knowing nothing about teaching.
...Then I completed two music degrees and thought I knew *everything* about teaching.
...Now I'm happy to have settled somewhere in the middle.
I have three super-powers in this profession:
- 30 Years of Teaching Experience (and counting!)
- Next-Level Enthusiasm
- A Brain that NEVER STOPS thinking about how "real life" influences our teaching (and vice versa)
I'm on a mission to foster lifelong musicians, and to help other studio music teachers do the same.