The Key to Lifelong Music Learning
Music for Life Series (Part 1)
An Exploration of Music and the Art of Long-Term Relationships
About this Series
Over the next several weeks, I will be unpacking concepts from Neil Moore’s book, Music and the Art of Long-Term Relationships
If you’d like to learn more check out this short video overview (~4 minutes), and download the ebook for FREE.
As a musician and music teacher with over 30 years of experience, I've learned that the secret to keeping students engaged in music lessons has, surprisingly, little to do with musical "talent" or "discipline" - and everything to do with the relationship that students build with their instrument and their learning over time.
You see, most people believe that if a student doesn't "have what it takes" musically, or if they lack the commitment to practice regularly, they're destined to quit lessons. But this couldn't be further from the truth.
“These beliefs, spoken as if they are statements of fact, are almost always a function of personal experience (whether one’s own or witnessed in others), but, unfortunately, they are also tragically misguided, misinformed and misunderstood.”
The real key to long-term music learning is nurturing an ongoing dialogue between the student, teacher, and parents about the student's evolving connection to their instrument and the learning process.
“I call this core conversation ‘The Relationship Conversation.’ Understanding what this conversation is about, and keeping it constantly present throughout the learning experience, is critical to a student’s ability to become musically self-expressed. It’s the key to keeping students in lessons.”
This relational approach means letting go of preconceptions about musical "talent" and instead focusing on helping students develop a deep, personal bond with their instrument. It requires patience, compassion, and a willingness to adjust the learning process to each student's unique needs and interests.
But the payoff is immense - students who learn this way are far more likely to continue playing music for the rest of their lives.
I'm looking forward to embarking on this journey with you and exploring this topic further. Together, we'll create an environment where music lessons are not a chore, but a cherished part of a weekly routine.
Please reach out if you have any questions - I'm here to support you every step of the way.