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I explore how Music Makers can cultivate a mindful approach to piano practice. This method shifts focus from perfecting technique to embracing the journey, fostering creativity and personal growth. Welcome to the art of becoming a Mindful Musician.
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As we journey ever-closer to true musical expression, we encounter obstacles that can hinder our progress.
These barriers, often self-imposed, seem difficult to manage due to their invisible nature.
Yet, with the right approach, they become stepping stones on our path to musical fulfillment.
Many people believe they've missed their chance to learn piano, haunted by the myth of a "golden age" for skill acquisition.
This belief, however, lacks scientific support. Recent studies challenge the notion that children learn motor skills more effectively than adults.
“The brain retains its plasticity throughout life, allowing for continuous learning and improvement.”
Dr. Michael Merzenich (neuroscientist)
A 2006 study found that young children actually had the poorest performance in learning a juggling task compared to all other age groups, including older adults.
Similarly, research in 2015 showed that adults often learned motor sequences more effectively than children when baseline differences were accounted for.
The real barriers we face are more often psychological: fear of failure, perfectionism, and self-doubt.
These mental obstacles seem formidable only because they've been drilled into us since childhood, influencing (and often ruining) much of what we initially enjoyed.
Academics, sports, work performance, learning an instrument - all have been affected.
While competition has its place, in the realm of (joyful) music learning, it often turns people off more than on.
Music is fundamentally different - it's an ancient form of communication that has evolved into a monetized art form, now intertwined with status, ego, and the relentless pursuit of attention.
As a result, the craft of becoming a skilled musician and the freedom to explore often get overshadowed by these invisible barriers.
*“The purpose of art is not the release of a momentary ejection of adrenaline but rather the gradual, lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity.”
Glenn Gould (classical pianist and quintessential music maker)*
This perspective frames learning the piano as a journey of continuous growth and discovery.
It's not about learning quickly or impressing others, but about building a lifelong relationship with music.
One-on-one mentorship has been a cornerstone of piano education since the advent of keyboard instruments.
This personalized approach allows for tailored guidance, addressing individual strengths and weaknesses more effectively than any other method.
A skilled instructor helps navigate the complexities of learning, providing technical knowledge, emotional support, and motivation.
My own journey was shaped by Dr. Botso Korisheli - more than a teacher, a musical father figure.
He guided me through piano competitions in my teens, influencing not just my technique, but my approach to music and life.
While many paths to learning piano exist – from YouTube tutorials, to courses, or self-teaching methods – these approaches often lack the personalized feedback crucial for long-term steady progress.
Learning by ear or through imitation can be valuable, but without proper guidance, it may lead to ingrained (and undetected) mistakes that become difficult to correct over time.
The true objective of piano education should be to cultivate independent learners.
Much like martial arts training aims to equip students with practical self-defense skills, piano instruction should empower students to make their own musical decisions, resolve practice challenges, manage their mindset, and enhance their performances without constant teacher input.
Self-teaching presents a unique challenge in long-term ‘practice programming.’
Without guidance, learners often struggle to structure their education in a way that ensures consistent improvement and the ability to play increasingly complex music (earning the ability to ‘play what you actually want’).
The temptation to jump into pieces that catch our interest, regardless of their difficulty, can lead to a cycle of initial enthusiasm followed by frustration and a sense of failure.
This pattern mirrors the mistake of diving into an overly ambitious workout routine - the desire for quick results often leads to burnout rather than sustainable progress.
Effective piano education should provide a framework for incremental challenges, allowing students to build skills progressively while maintaining motivation and enjoyment.
Many students do learn to play well under guidance, but struggle when left to their own devices.
This dependence can limit long-term enjoyment and involvement.
A comprehensive approach to piano education should prepare students to navigate their musical journey autonomously, equipping them with problem-solving skills and a resilient mindset.
While online courses and video tutorials can be helpful resources, they often do not provide the personalized feedback and adaptive instruction necessary for developing true musical independence.
The method of piano instruction is crucial in shaping a student's ability to continue learning and growing on their own.
The goal is not just to play pieces, but to understand the underlying principles that allow for true musical expression and enjoyment.