Today, Margot showed up with a stress ball in her hand—and a goal in her mind. She’s 10 years old and has been taking lessons with me almost her entire life. This girl lives for performing. But lately? Even she’s felt the weight of a packed schedule: volleyball, basketball, and everything else that comes with
Ever had a student who talks themselves through every note? And then the next one just… stares at the keys like they’re waiting for divine intervention? Same level of talent. Totally different brains. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of the inner voice in piano learning—and how it totally transforms the way students practice,
Let me tell you about Emma. She was the kind of student teachers brag about in Facebook groups. Practiced like a pro. Played with precision. Could crush a scale in three octaves, hands together, with a metronome breathing down her neck. But the second she stepped on stage? It all fell apart. Her fingers shook.