Notes of Progress: How I Teach Children to Embrace the Process of Learning Music

As a teacher and coach, one of my greatest joys is helping children not only learn how to play a piece of music but to truly embrace and enjoy the process of learning itself. While mastering a piece and reaching the end goal is a rewarding achievement, I believe that the real magic happens in the journey—the small moments of discovery, the challenges faced, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from steady progress.

In today’s fast-paced world, where results and outcomes are often prioritised, it’s easy for children (and adults alike) to feel that success is only found in the finished product. But in my approach to teaching music, I focus on cultivating a mindset that values every step along the way. Here’s why I believe this approach is so important and how I work to instil it in my students.

The Beauty of the Learning Process

Learning music is much more than memorising notes or perfecting a song. It's about exploration, creativity, and expression. I often tell my students that each piece of music is like a puzzle waiting to be solved and that each practice session is an opportunity to discover something new. Whether it’s a tricky rhythm, a challenging finger position, or understanding how to bring emotion into a piece, every aspect of learning offers valuable lessons.

When children are taught to appreciate these moments, they begin to develop a deeper connection to the music. They learn to enjoy the feeling of mastering a small section or even the excitement of trying something new that seems difficult at first. This shift in perspective helps them see learning as an adventure, where each step matters just as much as the final performance.

Shifting Focus: Process Over Perfection

One of the key principles I emphasise in my teaching is the idea that progress is more important than perfection. Many students, especially younger ones, can become frustrated if they don’t immediately succeed at playing a piece the way they envision. This frustration can lead to discouragement and even a loss of interest in the music itself.

To combat this, I encourage my students to celebrate small victories along the way. Did they get through a difficult measure for the first time without hesitation? That’s a win! Did they remember to hold a note for the correct duration? Another success! By focusing on these moments, we shift the focus away from perfection and instead celebrate growth and improvement.

This approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also builds resilience. Children learn that challenges are a natural part of the process and that it’s okay to make mistakes—they’re all part of getting better. In this way, we reframe mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles to avoid.

Developing Patience and Perseverance

Learning a piece of music takes time, and for many children, patience is a skill that needs nurturing. I often compare learning music to planting a seed: it takes time to grow, but with care and consistent effort, it blossoms into something beautiful.

Through this analogy, I teach my students the value of perseverance. They come to understand that while the end goal is important, it’s the daily practice, the time spent working through challenges, and the commitment to showing up that really make a difference. By helping children develop this mindset, I’m not just teaching them how to play music—I’m teaching them life skills that will benefit them far beyond the practice room.

Enjoyment as Motivation

One of the most powerful outcomes of teaching children to enjoy the learning process is that it fuels their intrinsic motivation. When students learn to love the journey, they naturally want to keep going. Practice no longer feels like a chore, but something they look forward to. They start to approach new pieces with excitement rather than apprehension because they know that every step—no matter how small—brings them closer to mastering the music.

I’ve seen this approach transform students’ attitudes toward learning. Instead of feeling pressure to perform or anxiety about “getting it right,” they experience joy in the act of making music. And that joy, in turn, keeps them motivated to continue learning and growing.

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

As a teacher, one of my top priorities is to create a supportive environment where children feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and explore their potential. I encourage open communication, asking my students to share their thoughts and feelings about the music they’re learning. This allows me to tailor my teaching to their individual needs and helps them feel more connected to the process.

I also incorporate games, creativity, and play into our lessons. By making practice fun and engaging, I help my students associate learning with positive emotions. Whether it’s a rhythm game, a challenge to play a section in different styles, or a simple improvisation exercise, these activities foster a love of music and remind children that learning is meant to be enjoyable.

The End Goal: A Love of Music

At the end of the day, my goal as a teacher is not just to help children learn how to play a piece of music—it’s to instil in them a lifelong love for music and learning. When students come to see the process as just as important as the performance, they begin to develop a deeper appreciation for the art of music-making. They become more confident in their abilities, more resilient in the face of challenges, and more joyful in their practice.

So while it’s always wonderful to reach that final performance and see a student play their piece with confidence, it’s the journey we take to get there that holds the real magic. And for me, there’s nothing more rewarding than guiding children along that journey, helping them discover the joy of learning music, one step at a time.