Learning that leads itself
Because learning sticks when it feels like yours
(3 minute read)
Over the years I’ve taught everyone from absolute beginners to professional gigging musicians, and there’s one approach that works across the board: keep the lessons student-led. That doesn’t mean ‘do whatever you like’ or ‘skip the hard bits.’ It means we build your skills through the music you care about – so practice feels natural, progress is quicker, and the joy stays alive.
What ‘student-led’ really means
We start with your goals and tastes: a Chopin prelude, a favourite pop tune, a first 12-bar blues, writing your own song – wherever the spark is.
I design the route: the technique, theory, ear work, and exercises that will support that spark.
We keep it conversational: you play, we listen, we adjust. Less box-ticking, more musicianship.
Why it works (and sticks)
People learn best when they’re curious and emotionally engaged. When the piece matters to you, you’ll happily practise the ‘boring bits’ – scales, fingering, voicings – because they unlock music you actually want to play. That’s when we see real momentum: fewer battles, more music.
Keeping progress moving
Student-led isn’t drifting; it’s choosing the next musical step that makes sense to you. Some students love the security of notation and grades; others feel most free learning by ear, improvising, or writing their own songs. There isn’t a ‘better’ path – there’s the path that unlocks you.
From there, we pick one small thing to improve inside music you actually want to play – keeping the groove steady for a whole chorus of a tune, a left-hand shape that keeps snagging, a phrase that needs to breathe – so it sounds better straight away. If a week’s been heavy, we might close the book and trade ideas at the piano until the shoulders drop. If you’re buzzing, we’ll stretch harmony, form, or listening.
If you like having something in writing, I’ll send a short recap or tiny demo; if you prefer to keep it in your ears, we keep it light. The support matches the way you learn.
Lesson snapshots (real examples)
There isn’t a template – I’m not watching the clock so much as the person.
After a hard school day: we ditch the plan, sit side-by-side and have a musical conversation – no rules, just listening and answering on the piano. Ten minutes later the room feels lighter; by the end, they’re back to themselves – calm, connected, musical.
Adult who feels stuck: occasionally you talk for most of the hour. By the end you’ve named what matters most and what to try next. No guilt – just clarity.
Reader on an exam path: we keep the manuscript open, fix one left-hand shape that’s holding back the piece, then play the whole thing through. Same joy, different doorway.
How it adapts
Young players: pulse and pitch games, lots of singing, tiny wins that build confidence.
Busy adults: low-pressure resets; we work with the week you’ve had.
Songwriters: deep-dive the songs you love – harmony, form, hooks, lyrics – then shape your own.
Jazz-focused students: swing feel, improvisation language, voicings/comping, transcription – always anchored in real tunes and listening.
The point of all of this
You get solid technique and real musicianship, but more than that – you get ownership. The lesson feels like your music, not mine. We still do the hard work; we just do it in a way that’s human, creative, and sustainable. That’s what I mean by learning that leads itself.
If this way of learning resonates with you, I’d love to share it in my 1:1 piano lessons. Or, if you’d like to know a little more about my own journey as a teacher and musician, visit my About me page.
