Some thoughts of a piano teacher by Barry Maleham
The philosophical ramblings of a jobbing piano teacher sound as exciting as a bowl of
cold porridge without jam! However, bear with me as I jot down a few views from where
I am standing. I very much enjoy my work; love and care about my pupils who are a
constant source of inspiration (though sometimes irritation) as well as joy, surprise and
wonder.
To enthuse, encourage, stimulate, provoke and arouse, both intellectually and emotionally,
are the stuff of lessons. I try to demystify music and make it accessible, without lowering
standards. Many excellent books have been written and many more, no doubt, will be
written on piano technique, however, my aim is simplification and since a multitude of
different methods produce outstanding results then I feel this achievement must spring from a musician's human spirit.
Love of music is a tangible reality that can be both seen and heard shaping and making a
performance. With this in mind I run a listening club 'Roundabout Music' in an attempt to
bring a wide range of serious music to my pupils and their parents. Composition and
improvisation are additional avenues that I encourage to help with self-expression. A pupil
stimulated by parents and teacher are a great team and, as I say to my pupils, the pupil and teacher working hard together on the same side in a mutual love of music will achieve
amazing results. Each relationship or partnership will be unique.
Music may be fun, pain, intensely spiritual or decorative frippery and it is never easy to fulfil all the composer's wishes. All jobs have their highs and lows and teaching the piano is no exception but adapting the approach to suit the individual and explaining, exploring and
then sharing the responsibility for the outcome is indeed exciting. A pianist is a trinity of
person, artist and craftsman spending a lifetime of effort and patience, not to mention the
tender loving care of family, friends and teacher, to realise a dream.
