Learn to Play or Play to Learn?
One of the things I frequently hear is that musical talent is more a gift than an acquired skill. I have a hard time with this absolutism because it divides people into “capable” vs. “non-capable”, and discourages so many from either considering or continuing with musical training. The same can be said for any number of long-term skills for that matter. No question about it, people abandon their pursuit of a skill more often than not due to fear, frustration, and/or lack of progress; but I believe this has more to do with the “teaching establishment” than a “lack of ability” on the part of the student.
But it’s different for those truly “blessed” with prodigal talent, right? Well, consider the words of Isaac Stern:
“I was enormously lucky to have a teacher who let me learn how to learn. He did not make me play the way he did”. Said to his students: “I am not here to teach you how to play. Learn to think for yourself, to have WOW moments. Joint the art with the mind to move from a possibility to a certainty”.
It has been well documented that self-discovery is the best road to any long-term learning, where firsthand personal experience and learning go hand in hand. Useful instruction is not about giving people the right answers, it is more about helping people learn to ask the right questions.
“Learn the means to education, not things” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Using a “how to” list is looking outside yourself for answers, where self-discovery looks inward to where long-term learning is born. I’m not suggesting that one can entirely bypass musical theory for this curriculum is non-negotiable; but what can be made more effective is our approach for learning it.
For example, should one Learn to Play or Play to Learn? Numerous studies have shown that during True Play, we exploit the freedom to investigate and interact with our instrument and decode musical theory into a personalized form. Playing is what makes it relevant, and playing the music (genre) you enjoy makes it even more so. Said another way: Honor thy Jam Session – both in music and in life!
The best thing about today’s world is that modern technology can bring the experience of learning music to the masses! There is so much technology now available that promotes self-discovery and at very affordable prices. So any of you that have that desire to take the plunge, by all means there has never been a better time. I’ve been putting my beliefs to the test by having recently started with my first string instrument: the bass guitar. It’s a strangely fascinating experience to have, on one hand, the musical background, but on the other hand, limited skills to play a new instrument… Well actually, I have limited skills in BOTH hands for the moment, but I am pleased to say that I’m DISCOVERING how to play my new instrument little by little. And, I truly believe it is helping me with the piano – an added bonus!
It is indeed a paradox that some things are learnable, but not teachable…
June 19th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Hi. I found out about your site through your RD700GX review. I haven’t had a chance to listen to your music; however, this article is absolutely wonderful. It deserves to be in keyboard monthly or on NPR’s What I Believe newscast. I absolutely agree with you.
I had one teacher who told me exactly what to play and I started to lose interest after a while. After about a year I wasn’t making much practice, so I dropped the only piano teacher I’d ever had.
Then I decided to teach myself through jam sessions and personal exploration. The results were outstanding, and in three years I was confident enough to start playing my songs in a band.
Thank you for writting about something that I so passionately agree with. Why would one learn to play music if you don’t enjoy the learning process? Music is one of the only things in the world that is free. The keyboards asks nothing of you and it gives you a world of notes back. So, please… everyone go out and enjoy your music.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Hi Danny, I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to comment! I especially like your point about music being one of the only things in the world that is free… that’s very true. The irony is that this article was inspired by a chance debate I had with a friend on that whole notion of (learning/playing) music only being available to gifted/talented people. I simply couldn’t convince my friend that it was more of an acquired skill… so I figured it was time get my thoughts formulated and wrote this little piece as a result.
I just went thru a similar experience as you on the bass guitar (my self-prescribed new learning activity). Jam sessions/self-discovery definitely more fulfilling! And recently, another good friend, an accomplished guitar player, decided on a whim he wanted to learn piano so now he’s doing the switch too. It’s been interesting being the mentor in one context and the “student” in another. All good stuff – and FREE as you point out!