Now you're learning! by Paul Harris

Now you’re learning!
Paul Harris considers the optimum environment for effective learning.
Successful learning is something we would like all our pupils to experience. Let’s consider three
factors that are central to bringing this about.
As teachers we like to be in control. We know what’s best. We know what works. We have all the
answers (or most of them anyway).
But for really effective teaching and learning we also have to go with the flow. Everyone we
teach is different. Recognising each individual’s needs, harmonising with their learning speed,
acknowledging each response and then responding back appropriately are all key aspects of truly
successful teaching and learning. So, be in control… but do also go with the flow. We can balance
these two life forces, and applying this balance when you are teaching is crucial. In practice, and
in general terms, we do need to know where we’re going with each pupil and have a clear idea of
a lesson’s path. But we also need to be constantly adapting. We may well have an agenda, but it
must be very flexible. Teach the pupil through the music and the instrument.
We also need to be patient. And so do our
pupils and their parents! Appropriate patience
in teaching and learning has a lot to do with
expectation: learning to manage expectation
and being as realistic as possible is so important.
Pupils and parents are often impatient, usually
because their expectations are unrealistic. If
we can bring realistic targets to all teaching
and learning situations we will really begin to
instil happy and contented learning.
Finally, empathy. In my opinion, the most important quality of the Virtuoso Teacher is an ability
to communicate. For really effective communication to take place we have to do our best to
understand deeply the person or persons with whom we are communicating.

Here, we must do our best to determine their interests,
their learning speed, their level of motivation, their natural
energy levels and what makes them tick musically – all
without them actually realising! When our pupils feel they
are understood then they can begin to relax into really
productive and secure learning.
So, be in control but go with the flow; set realistic and
understandable targets to create a patient approach and
empathise with your pupils. You will be delighted to see
your pupils becoming truly happy and effective learners.
“When our pupils
feel they are
understood then
they can begin to
relax into really
productive and
secure learning.”
Paul Harris
Paul Harris is one of the UK’s most influential music
educationalists. He studied the clarinet at the Royal Academy
of Music, where he won the August Manns Prize for outstanding
performance in clarinet playing and where he now teaches.
He is in great demand as a teacher, composer, and writer (with
over 600 books to his name). His inspirational masterclasses
and workshops continue to influence thousands of young
musicians and teachers all over the world in both the principles
and practice of musical performance and education.
“Paul Harris’s Simultaneous Learning approach has transformed my teaching
and the way I present lessons.”
Melanie Spanswick, piano teacher and blogger
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