Thoughts on Fear (and Joy) in The Piano Studio and Implications for Teachers

This paper will explore the phenomena of fear and joy in piano studios – the causes, effects, and the implications for teaching. In this paper, I will explain why we, as teachers and pianists, need to understand that fear is a barrier that can stop us from reaching our best performances and effective practice sessions as well. As musicians, we need to know that trusting our physical feeling is a key step to achieving deliberate practice, and it is also the best way to overcome fear. Fearless playing can help us to have effective practice and to enjoy our performances. In this process, teachers play a major role – there are many pedagogical strategies that can help teachers make their requirements and instruction supportive and helpful. These factors can affect the process of students overcoming their fears and reaching joy as musicians.