10: Prioritize Playing Over Teaching in Private Lessons

In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and co-host Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss the importance of making the act of playing music a central focus in private lessons, rather than just teaching and learning new concepts. We discuss the common pitfalls that can cause the essence of playing music to get lost, from the pressures instructors feel to constantly provide new material, to the routines that can become too focused on mechanical learning. Mandy shares her personal experience of learning the ukulele, illustrating how finding enjoyable repertoire can reignite the joy of playing. We also provide practical tips for instructors to bring the joy of making music back into their lessons. These include playing music together with students, choosing the right repertoire, and incorporating peer-to-peer band programs. By the end of this episode, you'll have a fresh perspective on how to balance technical learning with the sheer enjoyment of making music. Join us for an insightful conversation that aims to transform your approach to music instruction and bring back the fun and creativity that lies at the heart of musical education. Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.   Episode Transcript: