'What not to play'

As I unwind from teaching my lessons, I sit in front of the TV and proceed to check my mail and search for a variety of pop songs that my students have requested to learn. I enjoy following the fashion scene and will occasionally watch those hour long makeover shows just to see the end results. I am inspired to write this blog because I believe that piano teaching, in many cases, has been calling for a makeover.

What should and shouldn't students play? With the introduction of Guitar Hero, American Idol, Rock Band, and publications in the music education world like Lucy Green's Music, Informal Learning, and the School, teachers are given the choice to enter a new era of poptastic chord progressions and co-constructive, creative learning. We have been given an opportunity to work with student interest and personal style, but where is the balance between Western classical tradition and FM radio?

I believe that we as teachers need to work with each student's interests, introducing them to many different genres while allowing for personal choice and expression. Instead of selecting classical repertoire pieces for students, we can offer them a variety to choose from. I think that classical pieces have great value in a student's repertoire but I also realize that not every student will be interested in pursuing a classical career. Classical pieces can be introduced along with pop songs that reinforce certain techniques. For example, a legato passage can be compared to a phrase of a pop song, in order to make the concept personally relevant for the student. A combination of classical, pop, and original songs can effectively teach musical technique and musicality while providing enjoyment for the student. I especially think that composition is a great way to reinforce musical concepts and gives the student a masterpiece to be proud of! I see that more and more of my students are wanting to create their own pieces when they are given the opportunity to. Some students are shocked after we complete lesson songs and I ask them if they want to write their own song. "You mean I can really do that?" Of course!

So can we balance Western classical tradition, Taylor Swift, and Jimmy's/Joe's/Katie's original songs?