The topic of youth vs experience has been raised several times in recent weeks, both on the Teach Piano Today blog and around the web, so of course I had to write a post about it… I mean, how controversial, right?
There are common complaints from both parties in the debate; older piano teachers believe that people think they aren’t ‘cool’ enough, while younger piano teachers believe people think they don’t have enough experience.
But in reality, neither party has to worry about either of these arguments, because “being cool”, “being experienced”, and even “being Ivy League educated” are not the determining factors in piano teaching success. Do they help… yes. Does it mean you’re doomed without? No!
Because piano teaching success is not about “you”, it is about your students, and how they feel and how they progress when they come to your piano studio.
So, if you’re an older teacher, don’t worry about being cool. You don’t have to be cool to teach your piano students cool music. Besides, what is “cool music”? Even among kids, cool music differs from one person to the next. So let’s avoid talking about being cool and knowing about cool music, and instead refer to being relevant for each and every individual piano student.
And if you’re a younger teacher, don’t worry about being experienced. Sure experience helps, but what is ‘experienced’? Is experience a good thing if someone has been teaching poorly for 25 years? Of course not! So stop worrying about your experience, and start focusing on your students’ success. Are they practicing? Are they progressing? Are they happy? If the answers are “Yes, Yes, and Yes”, I would argue that your lack of experience is as important as a parka in July.
When all is said and done, kids don’t care if you’re cool, and they don’t care if you’re experienced. But they do care if they are having a good time. They do care if they are progressing as a piano player. And they certainly do care if they are being treated with kindness and respect.
Leia says
This is so spot on! I worried at first about being a young & inexperienced teacher but I realised the kids were happy (and therefore the parents were, too) so now I take everything as a learning experience and just keep at it!
Victoria says
As a student teacher, I really appreciate this article. Thank you!
Cameron Weckerley says
Unfortunately in a “youth-based” culture the older you get the less desirable you are. Those of us who have been at it 30,40,50 years have the great experience and advanced skill set, but are so often passed over in favor of a younger, prettier face. I have seen this happen in public education and it is rampant in the industry in Los Angeles and yes, in private teaching too. Soo if you are young enjoy it, if you are older…good luck!
Barbara says
This post hits the nail on the head. It is all about the STUDENT’S experience. I’m reminded of a saying I once heard: “We wouldn’t care so much what people thought of us if we knew how infrequently they do!” I strive for a happy medium between what I think the student NEEDS to learn and what the STUDENT WANTS to learn.
Experience vs. Youth brings us back to a great opportunity to collaborate with other teachers (see March 24th teachpianotoday.com post.) Find a teacher that’s the opposite of you and see what you can learn from each other. It’s one of the beautiful things about music…there’s always something new to learn. And it’s more fun with someone else.
Cameron Weckerley says
I agree with Barbara about working with another teacher who has a different approach. I meet regularly a friend/colleague for sight reading and improv practice, as well as sharing teaching tidbits. I have no doubt that some of my practices drive him nuts, and vice versa…however, the outcome is growth for both of us.
Rebecca Brown says
I think the word “cool” should be replaced with “relevant.”
I’m one of the lucky ones who is 42 years old and has over 20 years teaching experience….but I look like I’m 25! That has its advantages and disadvantages. With the parents, I have to work a little harder to make sure they know I actually have some experience doing what they are going to pay me to do. But the kids just see a lady who looks young….and probably “gets” teenagers.
Would my own kids say I’m “cool.” No way! I’m a mom just like any other mom! Would my students say I’m “cool”? Doubtful. “Revelant”, however…… Some time ago, I forced myself to start listening to the local pop radio station, so that I would have some clue what music the kids are into. I ended up finding some bands I truly love listening to! The kids love it when they mention a song they want to be able to play, and I’ve actually heard it before. Through accompanying (and by having three kids in school), I also stay very well plugged in to what is going on at school. I know when their band and choir concerts are, and I go to them. I know how the school talent shows work. I even know how insanely strict the administration at the middle school is vs. the looseness at the high school. So, when they go through different phases at school, I can be empathetic.
The single thing I think the young teachers have over the more “seasoned” teachers is energy! Man! I just plain can’t put in as many hours as I used to! And I certainly can’t schedule two preschool music/movement classes back-to-back anymore! Aside from that, though, I think that an experienced teacher can teach with just as much relevance as a 22-year-old straight out of college. We just might have to be a little more intentional about it.
Jennifer Foxx says
I totally agree Rebecca. Being relevant is sooo important if you want to not only survive but thrive! 😉
Andrea says
Great points Rebecca! Thanks for your insights.