If you don’t already watch or listen to TED Talks, you really should check them out.  TED talks are short talks (usually less than 20 minutes) focused on spreading new ideas.  These talks are always engaging and interesting, but a particular talk caught my attention last week.  This one was given by Angela Lee Duckworth on the topic of grit.  The talk is just over 6 minutes long and definitely worth your time to watch.

Learning the piano most certainly takes grit!  Even if a student is naturally talented, there comes a time in piano when they must put in the time and effort to improve.  If grit really is the key to success, then piano teachers are doing a great service by pushing our students to buckle down, put in the long hours of practice, and wait months or even years to see the results.  I can’t really think of anything besides music lessons that requires the same amount of grit.  What do you think?

 

P.S.  Easter is coming up this weekend.  If you’re looking for some fun seasonal activities to use in your lessons this week, check out these posts:

Easter Printable

Easter Technique Game

Seasonal Activities

Author: Spring

Spring Seals, NCTM, teaches 60 piano students ranging from age 3 to 70 in Fort Worth, Texas. She also serves as the Director of Certification for TMTA. She is passionate about helping teachers become more effective in their studios through professional development, new resources, and fresh ideas.