September 1

1 comments

Best-Case Scenarios

There's something that frustrates me about parenting books.

Most of them assume a best-case scenario. And they leave out the worst-case scenarios for consideration.

For example, a parenting book might say something like:

If your child doesn't listen to you, give them a warning. If they continue the misbehavior, then give them a time out. But make sure you reassure them that you still love them when the time out is over.

Wonderful. Except...

The book doesn't say what to do if your child refuses to go to time out. Do you physically bring them to time out? Oh wait, the same book also said to avoid getting physical with your kids.

Do you have a second-tier consequence? Wait, the book didn't say anything about that! And what if they call our bluff on that one too?!?

See what I'm getting at?

The same thing happens in piano pedagogy classes and textbooks the world over.

If you do XYZ with piano students, then they'll develop healthy technique and artistry. (extremely condensed)

But, what if students don't care about XYZ? What if they can't sit still long enough to do XYZ? What if none of the other teachers in town are doing XYZ, and the parents and students are calling you out on it?

In the end, most books, texts, and classes can't give you every possible scenario. In fact, most won't. There aren't enough pages or hours.

So, the only solution left is to experiment, experiment, and experiment without staying attached to the results.

And to use that modern-day superpower, common sense.

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About Jonathan Roberts

I am the founder and director of the South Shore Piano School, and I have been teaching the piano for nearly 20 years. My work centers around bringing music to the lives of kids, parents, and adults in an enriching, meaningful way. At the South Shore Piano School, my incredible colleagues and I accomplish this through skill-based teaching, community, and an innovative, people-first business model. You can read more about me here.

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  1. Very true!! But luckily the practitioners of pedagogy at our AMAZING SSPS are ALL SUPER HEROES!!!! And common sense is only one of their superpowers!!!!!

    Reply