“If I’m teaching well, I will work myself out of a job.” I’ve heard this phrase many times from music teachers throughout my life. And it’s true—our goal is to create independent Music Makers who, in time, will need less and less help from a teacher to make music on their instrument and with others. Learning to practice is a major part of this transformation. Practicing is teaching oneself a musical skill; it often looks like problem-solving—identifying challenges, testing out solutions, examining results. Over time, our role as teachers become less and less important, because students become more capable of learning new things and solving problems on their own. To this end, a large portion of our lesson time is spent modeling practice strategies. I often encourage my students to think of their own inner monologue at the piano as being their own teacher or coach—ask questions, offer ideas, provide encouragement. Parents can work to encourage this growing independence as well. Ask questions that help students draw on the strategies they already have in their toolbox. Remind them that practicing is teaching oneself, and to treat themselves accordingly. In time, they’ll realize just how competent they are.

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What questions do you have about practice? Send me an email (justin@yellowdoorgr.com), and I’ll try to answer them in upcoming newsletters.