Can teaching make you a better musician?
Deepening our understanding of the instrument.
One of things that surprises me the most about teaching is how much my own playing has improved since finishing grad school.
And it’s not because I suddenly had way more time to practice–in fact, I’ve been in the process of rehabilitating my shoulder since mid-2020 and pretty much only play when I work with students.
But something has been happening under the surface.
For example, I feel so much more confident in my shifting accuracy and intonation. When I have to play something on the spot for students, it’s like my internal map of the fingerboard is clearer and more detailed than before.
My hypothesis? This deeper understanding is the direct result of mindfully considering how best to communicate the mental and kinesthetic processes that make up a technique and then explaining it to someone else.
I’ve spent the past few years learning to break down intonation and shifting concepts into bite-sized pieces for students, walking them through sequential steps and processes, and yes, modeling the fundamentals on my violin over and over.
This is a fantastic metacognitive skill that teachers use all the time in general education. Do you remember being asked to give a class presentation on a specific topic or work through a problem with your fellow students?
When we have to teach someone else, it helps activate our prior knowledge of the material and strengthens our own understanding of the subject.
You can use this in lessons and group classes to ensure that your students have learned a specific technique or practice strategy. Ask your student to pretend to teach you in the lesson or guide students through the process of coaching each other in a group class.
It’s a great way to see what students have absorbed and take away from the lessons!
And on the flip side, it’s fascinating to see how we’ve grown as teachers and musicians over the years through our pedagogical processes!
How has your playing and teaching changed since you left school? Feel free to hit reply and let me know!
If this is the first time we’re meeting virtually, hello! My name is Erika, and I’m a violinist, teacher, and certified Franklin Method Educator. My mission is to rethink traditional teaching approaches to help musicians play with confidence and ease. If this resonates with you, here’s how you can connect with me:
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