Piano and harp lessons go beyond just getting the correct notes and rhythms in a piece. Learning music offers many additional advantages, and I tailor my teaching approach to suit each person’s requirements. From the ages of four to eighty-three, my roster is full of students who are discovering they can produce beautiful music, no matter what their level of understanding is. Below, I list the type of students I commonly see as well as a few unique cases I have had the privilege to teach. Maybe you can relate to some of them.

Most kids in this age group have had some experience with music, either from other piano teachers or from music classes in school. Those who are beginners can advance quickly through the preparatory levels if they practice regularly. Often, eight-to-twelve-year-olds like to “test” their teachers to see what they can get away with behaviour-wise. Though I enjoy being silly with them to put them at ease, I do not tolerate rudeness and my students know this. This is the time I like to instil a sense of discipline in them as well, encouraging regular practice so they can enjoy the rewards of playing music. I do not take any misbehaviour personally; it’s merely the stage of life they are in. (I was no angel when I was this age, either. My grade 3 teacher once dragged me and my desk out into the hallway because I was so talkative!)

By this age, most students who are continuing with their music education do so because they have a genuine interest in it. I have many beginners at this age too, and they do very well. These students tend to be self-motivated and are keen to produce the best sound they can from their instruments through the principles of proper technique. Also, they are developing their own style—what they like and don’t like—and I am careful to allow them input into which type of music they would enjoy studying, be it pop, jazz, video game music, film soundtracks, classical, country, or whatever they pull off the internet.

Surprisingly, I have many adults in my schedule. They are very busy with families and careers, and their schedules are hectic. Playing music relieves the pressures of modern life, especially with both spouses working and a houseful of kids. Studying music forces these students to slow down—even if it’s only for 10 minutes a day—an excellent distraction to maintain mental wellbeing. I never criticize adult students for not being able to get as much practice in as they would have liked during the week. My role is to guide the student through their material at their own pace with whatever they have accomplished up to that point. I am pleased when adult students learn to relax at the instrument and become more gracious with themselves when they make errors.

I always have a few seniors in my teaching schedule, and they make me so happy. At this stage of life, students may have some physical issues such as arthritis or stiffness, but their interest in music is undiminished. Beginners at this age are common, and apart from exercising sore joints, studying music has been proven effective in delaying cognitive decline and promoting brain plasticity. Some seniors may be isolated in their homes, and taking music lessons can be a fun way to develop a new skill in a setting outside their house. The social aspect of lessons and learning proper technique to avoid harming themselves are most beneficial for these students.

The challenge of teaching music to those who have difficulties in learning is something I enjoy. It’s not often that I have the opportunity to have this type of student, but when I do, I find that a combination of patience and humour is effective. I am encouraged by the progress these students make and their willingness to play in my recitals. They make me so proud.

Over the many years of teaching music, I have had the pleasure of teaching individuals with mild autism. Some have difficulty understanding social cues and are unsure of themselves, but because I do not react negatively to their uniqueness, they relax and can focus on the music they are creating. Several have achieved advanced levels with no problems.

Having taught people with these conditions, I realize the importance of establishing good rapport and a comfortable space in which to learn. Individuals living with these issues should not assume studying music is beyond their reach. Additionally, the therapeutic benefits of music include mood improvement, relaxation, and improved self-confidence.