Lessons From A Piano
In 2018 I went to a staff Christmas Party that changed my life.
The event was held on the stage at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina. Picture everyone dressed in their finest, a photo booth (complete with props), decorated Christmas trees, ambient lighting, a full spread turkey dinner buffet and… entertainment.
Following the meal, The Dueling Pianos took the floor. Two shiny black grand pianos were parked facing each other and the players took their seats.
The Lead Entertainer, Ted Oliver, could make his piano sing. He didn’t just play the shiny black grand piano, he made music, and when he played the theme song from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” I was spellbound. I thought, “This is incredible. I want to learn how to do that.”
Following the Christmas party I promptly rented a digital piano and bought a copy of Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course, Lesson Book Level One and started playing. I did okay on my own for a while; I was able to understand the material and could play some of the songs. In fact, I was amazed that I could actually get both my right and left hands playing at the same time and I absolutely loved playing music, especially when I played a piece that moved me.
But eventually I discovered that if I was going to make progress in my piano playing, I needed help; I needed a teacher. So, I sought one out, started taking lessons and eventually played in a few recitals.
While visiting our local music store one day, I came across a book by David Kish titled, “Practicing With Purpose: An Indispensable Resource to Increase Musical Proficiency.” I started reading and in Chapter 3 he discussed the Zone of Proximal Development (see image below).
Using the piano as an example, I was able to learn some music on my own, but I discovered I could learn more and advance my skills more quickly with help (ie. my teacher) and then I also found that if I chose a piece of music that was too far above my skill level I could not play it at all, and I would get frustrated.
This same concept applies to any goal you may have. Whatever you wish to achieve there will be some parts of it you can accomplish on your own and that’s great! Go for it! Then, eventually, you will need help, whether that be a coach, a mentor or an instructor. That person will help you advance your skills further than you could on your own. And then, there will be parts that will be too far above your skill level…yet. Using “the zone” below as a guide you can plot out where you are in relation to your goal and then you’ll know which next step to take next (or not).
When was the last time you tried to do something on your own?
Did you find that you eventually needed help?
Did you take on too much and got frustrated?
Copy and paste this URL into your browsr for the Diagram of the Zone of Proximal Development: https://educationaltechnology.net/vygotskys-zone-of-proximal-development-and-scaffolding/
Recommended Resources
- The Dueling Pianos on Canada’s Got Talent 2024 (video 4:11) – “The Dueling Pianos” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZUezvA0tWA
- Article by Kendra Cherry – “How Vygotsky Defined the Zone of Proximal Development” - https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-zone-of-proximal-development-2796034
Monthly Challenge
- Think of one goal you have (or have had in the past), and plot out the different stages you went through to reach that goal, using the Zone of Proximal Development to guide you.