The key to success in any human endeavor lies in a methodical, step-by-step approach to achieving goals. Mastery doesn’t happen overnight; it requires consistent, incremental effort.
This philosophy, which I’ve applied broadly in my life, was ingrained in me through years of piano and dance training. While the concept of a gradual learning process might seem straightforward to many piano instructors, it’s not always evident to my peers what these exact steps should entail. There’s a common tendency to generalize techniques, assuming that a one-size-fits-all approach will work for every student. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Effective teaching requires a deep understanding of the individual learner. The term “education” comes from the Latin verb “Educare,” a fusion of “ex,” meaning “from, out of, from within,” and “ducere,” which means “to lead, conduct, guide.” Together, they signify the act of drawing out or leading someone from within, tailoring the guidance based on their unique background and experiences.
Anyone seeking training or education doesn’t inherently know the specific steps needed for success. That’s where a good educator comes in, outlining these steps in a clear manner. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these steps should be customized for each learner, given that everyone comes with their own set of prior knowledge and experiences.
When I first encounter a new student, my initial focus is on defining the desired outcomes. Then I quickly determine the smallest, yet most impactful steps they can take to achieve noticeable, measurable progress that aligns with their personal learning journey.
For instance, I recently began teaching an adult student in my Getzville, NY, studio who had previous instruction but felt stagnated. After just four lessons, her progress was so remarkable that I wished I’d filmed our initial session for comparison. She shared my sentiment, saying, “I can see the improvements because now I know precisely what I need to work on.”
Students won’t progress unless they’re given explicit directions on what to improve. And I’m not just talking about notes and rhythm. Sometimes it’s posture, hand placement, shoulder tension, coordination, phrasing, or understanding musical nuances.
The trick is to be specific and focus on one teaching point at a time—step by step, with each step tailored to the individual learner.