What do you do if your music teaching methods aren't preparing students for the future of music?

As the music industry evolves, it's crucial to ensure your teaching methods keep pace with the changing landscape. If you're a music educator, you may find that traditional approaches don't quite cut it anymore. The future of music demands a blend of technical savvy, creativity, and adaptability. You might need to re-evaluate your curriculum and teaching style to better prepare your students for what lies ahead. The key is to remain flexible and open to new ideas while maintaining a solid foundation in music theory and practice.

1 Embrace Technology

In an era where digital tools and technology are integral to music production and distribution, you must integrate tech into your lessons. Familiarize your students with music software, recording techniques, and online collaboration platforms. This doesn't mean abandoning classical training but rather enhancing it with the skills that today's music professionals need to thrive. By doing so, you're not only teaching them how to create music with current tools but also preparing them for future advancements.

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2 Update Curriculum

The music industry is not static, and neither should your curriculum be. Take a look at what's trending, which skills are in demand, and what's on the horizon. Then, adjust your lessons to include contemporary genres, digital music composition, and even marketing basics. By broadening your students' exposure to different aspects of the industry, you help them become versatile musicians who can navigate a variety of career paths.

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3 Foster Creativity

While technique is important, creativity is the heart of music. Encourage your students to experiment with their own style and compositions. Provide opportunities for improvisation and collaboration, which can lead to innovative ideas and new music forms. By valuing creativity in your teaching, you help students develop their unique voice, which is essential for standing out in the crowded music industry.

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Kathryn Woodard

Director, Creativity at the Piano
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This is the reason I launched the course, ‚Creativity at the Piano.‘ The skill of learning piano and progressing through standard repertoire can be daunting and along the way students are often missing crucial creative exploration at the instrument. It’s also not how many of us were taught at the instrument, and so we have to change our thinking and teaching to make sure time is made for this exploration.

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4 Encourage Adaptability

The ability to adapt is crucial in the ever-evolving music industry. Teach your students the importance of being versatile and open to learning new skills. Whether it's picking up a new instrument, diving into music production, or exploring different roles within the industry, adaptability will serve them well throughout their careers. By fostering a mindset of growth and flexibility, you prepare them for the unpredictable nature of the music world.

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Kathryn Woodard

Director, Creativity at the Piano
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In the classical realm students are encouraged to think ‚if I play the same repertoire and study at these same schools and enter (and win) similar competitions, I’ll have the same career as xyz from previous decades/generations.‘ There’s certainly nothing wrong with embracing classical repertoire but if you look at a broad range of musicians who are successful in your chosen area (even across generations), you will see a willingness to learn new music, to collaborate with musicians of different styles, to support other musicians of different backgrounds. It’s not ‚following the steps‘ that made their career, it’s how they forged their own path along the way.

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5 Build Networks

Networking is a powerful tool in the music industry. Teach your students the importance of building relationships and collaborating with others. Whether it's through social media, attending events, or joining music communities, networking can open doors to opportunities and collaborations that might not otherwise be available. By understanding the value of connections, your students can better navigate their future careers.

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6 Reflect and Adapt

Lastly, as a music educator, it's important to continually reflect on and adapt your teaching methods. Seek feedback from your students, stay informed about industry changes, and be willing to make adjustments to your approach. This continuous improvement not only benefits your students but also keeps you engaged and passionate about teaching. By being a lifelong learner yourself, you set an example for your students to follow.

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Kathryn Woodard

Director, Creativity at the Piano
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Taking time to reflect and recharge is certainly necessary for any teacher. Those semester and summer breaks are there for a reason! I also think students could be encouraged to engage in downtime learning projects that don’t necessarily lead to a grade, assessment or performance. This is actually more readily embraced within music studies - go attend a master class with another teacher, go study a language that’s relevant to your studies, etc. But I’m noticing my non-music majors could also embrace this mindset.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your music teaching methods aren't preparing students for the future of music?

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1 Embrace Technology

2 Update Curriculum

3 Foster Creativity

4 Encourage Adaptability

5 Build Networks

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Music Industry

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