If you love to sit down with other music teachers to pick their brains about teaching philosophies and ideas that have worked with their students, then you will love Merlin B. Thompson’s new book, More Than Music Lessons. [You can even snag a 30% off coupon code on his website!] I appreciate Dr. Thompson sending me a complimentary copy of his book to read and review.
Dr. Thompson organizes the book into four parts: Parents, Practicing, Projects, and Character. Throughout each part he includes teaching tips, illustrations from his own studio, reflective questions for the reader, and FAQs followed by his responses about how to incorporate his ideas in various scenarios. Dr. Thompson also draws from many additional resources related to psychology and teaching methodologies, all of which are well-documented in the notes following each chapter.
Dr. Thompson gives thoughtful consideration to the role of each person involved in the parent-student-teacher triangle that encompasses piano lessons. He values the role and involvement of parents and encourages teachers to “welcome real-life families into the studio, along with their strengths and obstacles, rather than attempt to mold them into a teacher’s ‘dream version’ of family life.” Something I began to appreciate much more once I was parenting and homeschooling four children and my youngest showed up for her lesson one day not having practiced at all. The worst part? I had no idea prior to that moment!
There were many insights that I gleaned from Dr. Thompson’s thoughts and forty years of experience as a music teacher. Here are a few:
On writing notes/assignments during the lesson:
“Effective teaching and learning processes aren’t the same as factory production schedules, which maximize efficiency at every moment…taking a few moments to take notes during the lesson gives students the space to readjust before continuing.”
On students not assimilating what was taught in the lesson into their practicing during the week:
“I recognize there are many reasons why not everything will get done according to my plan. Sometimes, it’s most important to be patient with students’ growth.”
On helping students reflect on their playing:
“Reflection refers to our basic need to figure out what’s working and what’s not working, our need to evaluate what happens when we apply our skills and knowledge to a given context.”
Clearly a caring and innovative teacher, Dr. Thompson practices what he preaches and generously shares his ideas and resources with readers. Even though we diverge on various philosophical points, I couldn’t help but feel that Dr. Thompson is a kindred spirit with his passion for understanding his students and developing innovative and creative ways to help them succeed in their musical studies. Any music teacher will find More Than Music Lessons a thought-provoking and practical addition to their studio library!
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