Keyboard Technique: Deep Dive with Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson: Part 2

In the latest episode of Keys to Music Learning, we continue our insightful discussion on piano technique with educators Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson. The focus of this conversation revolves around the integration of audiation and biomechanics in teaching piano to young beginners, with particular attention to the research-based approaches that underpin their methods.

Key Insights:

1. Audiation and Technique: Audiation plays a critical role in developing piano technique. Students who learn to audiate are better equipped to focus, make judgment calls on their playing, and develop kinesthetic awareness. However, Scarlette highlights that audiation often progresses faster than technical skills, creating challenges as students strive to match what they hear with their physical abilities.

2. Music Moves for Piano and Lister-Sink Methods: Both methods are research-driven, drawing from neuroscience and cognitive psychology to help students learn more effectively. Scarlette and Celeste note that these approaches are demanding for teachers, as they require a deep understanding of how the brain learns, but they ultimately foster a better connection between movement and sound.

3. Challenges and Benefits: One challenge they face is aligning technical development with students' growing audiation skills, especially as students' hands may not yet be physically ready for more advanced pieces. Scarlette shares a personal victory—feedback from a festival adjudicator praising her students' rhythmic and musical flow, validating her method.

4. The Long Game: Celeste emphasizes the importance of trusting the learning process, even when results are not immediately visible. Both Music Moves and the Lister-Sink method involve building a solid foundation, which, though slow initially, leads to exponential growth and better musicianship over time.

5. A Collaborative Teaching Community: The discussion also touches on the supportive nature of the Music Moves and Lister-Sink teaching communities. Scarlette and Celeste both value the collaboration and lack of ego within their circles, where teachers share feedback and insights to continuously improve their methods.

In conclusion, this deep dive highlights the significance of blending audiation, biomechanics, and research-based methods in piano teaching, emphasizing a growth mindset and the patience needed to see long-term benefits.

Links

Scarlette's Webinars
The Embodiment of Rhythmic Audiation at the Piano
Technique and Young Beginners : Development of motor skills and application to Keyboard Games
The Technique Checklist: Sequencing Tips to Monitor and Guide Student Technical Development

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.