I’ve been loving the Hidden Brain podcast, hosted by Shankar Vedantam. This podcast dives into the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior using science. One episode particularly resonated with me as it discussed the profound impact of teacher-student relationships. It got me thinking about how we piano teachers influence our students’ learning journeys and overall development.

One key takeaway from the podcast is the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students. It seems simple, yet it’s amazing how many teachers overlook this crucial step. I once worked with a teacher who was intentionally cold, aiming to “set the tone” for her young students—whom she referred to only as “clients.” She enforced tight boundaries and had a no-tolerance policy for not practicing, misbehaving at lessons, no-shows, and so on.

Sure, some of her students thrived under these pressures, but many found the cold atmosphere spoiled their love for music and created unnecessary stress.

So, here’s a revolutionary idea: Be kind. Be warm. A friendly smile and a supportive attitude can make a world of difference in nurturing a student’s passion for music. A warm and friendly welcome can help alleviate any nervousness or apprehension, making the student feel comfortable and ready to learn. After all, we’re teaching piano, not running a military academy.

Bridging the gap between shared interests

Research highlighted in this episode shows the significance of finding common ground between teachers and students. In one study, teachers and students completed surveys to identify shared interests and values. These insights were then used to foster connections, revealing that students performed better academically when they felt a sense of commonality with their teachers.

For piano educators, discovering shared interests can be a game-changer. By incorporating these shared interests into lessons, you create a more engaging and relatable learning experience.

For instance, I had a 10-year-old student whose excitement for piano faded because she disliked every song in our lesson book. She found them either too boring or too difficult. Frustration was building on both sides. One day, I took a moment to chat with her about her interests outside of piano. She loved Adele, and we bonded over our favorite songs. I suggested we try an Adele piece suitable for her level. Her attitude shifted, and she became more motivated to practice. This simple connection transformed her learning experience and reignited her passion for piano.

The impact on academic and personal growth

One of the most striking findings from this study was the significant improvement in academic performance among minority students. Strengthening the relationships between teachers and students led to a notable improvement in grades for Black and Latino students, reducing the achievement gap by 60%. This highlights the transformative potential of strong teacher-student connections.

While this study focused on academic subjects, the implications for piano education are equally profound. A strong connection with your students can lead to better practice habits, increased motivation, and greater overall progress. Moreover, the positive impact of these relationships extends beyond the piano studio, contributing to the students’ personal growth and self-confidence.

The role of expectations: the pygmalion effect

Another critical aspect discussed in the podcast is the role of teacher expectations. Vedantam emphasizes that the beliefs teachers hold about their students’ potential can shape their interactions and, consequently, the students’ performance. This concept is known as the Pygmalion Effect. Named after the Greek myth where Pygmalion’s expectations transformed a statue into a living being, this phenomenon in psychology suggests that higher expectations from teachers can lead to an increase in student performance.

As piano teachers, we should strive to set high yet realistic expectations for our students. Encouraging them to tackle challenging pieces, participate in recitals, or even compose their own music can push them to reach new heights. By believing in their potential and expressing that belief, we can help our students develop a strong sense of self-efficacy and resilience.

Thank you for reading!

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References:

Hidden Brain Podcast: Students and Teachers