Practice or Talent: Which is More Important?

What My Teaching Experience Shows

When considering the study of music, a question often comes up. How important is natural talent? I have had the opportunity of teaching some incredibly talented kids. One thing I’ve learned from my teaching experience is that the diligent students who sometimes struggle and don’t seem to have much natural ability pretty quickly pass the talented students who are less disciplined about their practice. When it comes to becoming an excellent musician, practice far outweighs talent.

What My Personal Experience Shows

I wouldn’t call myself someone with much natural ability. I love music, and I work hard. That’s how I’ve gotten where I am. I have the privilege of studying under some amazing professors! But music school is really hard for me. I wish music came naturally to me, but at the same time I’m glad I have to work to get results so that I don’t become complacent. If things come easily, it can be difficult to make yourself invest the time necessary to continue to improve.

What Research Shows

There is a debate happening among experts surrounding the “10,000 hours rule” as presented in Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers. Gladwell presents the research of Dr. Anders Ericsson, claiming that anyone can become an expert at something with 10,000 hours of practice. That’s all it takes! The debate lies in the question of whether it is only the 10,000 hours of practice that play a role. No one argues that practice is a major part of becoming an expert. But what about the quality, not just quantity, of practice? What about coaching? It’s not clear whether what Gladwell presents is 100% accurate, but there is a point to it. Details aside, the research seems to indicate that deliberate practice makes much more of a difference than innate talent.

So which is more important? Practice!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section. How big of a role do you believe talent plays in becoming a successful musician?

Tags: diligence, practice, talent|

About the Author: Melody McGeary

Melody has been playing piano since she was 8. In 2017 she graduated from Ithaca College with a bachelor of music in performance. She loves children, teaching, designing, and making music. Read her full bio here.

One Comment

Ana Harris October 27, 2014 at 2:11 pm - Reply

Agreed!

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2020–2021 Tuition and Fees

Where tuition and fees go:

private lessons
performance classes
materials (music, notebooks, flashcards, learning aids, apps)
festival & competition participation fees
lesson planning
parent communication
studio administration
studio piano maintenance
class and recital space rental
technology
my further development/networking

Fall/Spring:
16 lessons (Tier 1: 45-minute, Tier 2: 60-minute)
2 performance classes
1 recital/performance

Summer:
? lessons (Tier 1: 45-minute, Tier 2: 60-minute)

Registration fee:

There is a $65 registration fee to cover the cost of materials/festival & competition participation.
Due upon initial enrollment and yearly upon reregistration.
Funds will roll over between academic years.
Should you choose to terminate lessons at any point, you will be reimbursed the current balance in this account.
Should the necessary materials exceed the current balance, you will be expected to cover the additional costs.

Studio tuition discounts (only eligible if enrolled by November 1, 2020):
Pay-in-full discounts:
10% off studio tuition with upfront annual payment

5% off studio tuition with semester installments plan

Family discounts:
5% off studio tuition for each additional student from the same immediate family

Group class discount:
5% off studio tuition for students participating in group classes

Studio tuition and payment options (decimals rounded):
Monthly installments: Due before the first of each month

Tier 1: fall and spring terms: $1329/9 months = $148
Tier 2: fall and spring terms: $1659/9 months = $184
summer term: calculated based on availability submitted according to the studio calendar

NOTE: paying monthly installments against the yearly studio tuition (not paying for the number of lessons in each month)

Semester installments – 5% discount: Due August 31 (Fall Term), January 18 (Spring Term)

Tier 1: fall and spring terms: $665 – $33 = $631
Tier 2: fall and spring terms: $830 – $41 = $788
summer term (no discount): calculated based on availability submitted according to the studio calendar

Yearly tuition – 10% discount: Due August 31

Tier 1: $1329 – $133 = $1196
Tier 2: $1659 – $166 = $1493
summer term (no discount): calculated based on availability submitted according to the studio calendar

Sales tax:

I am required by law to charge sales tax on my services (4.5% state tax + 2% city tax = 6.5%).

Late payment policy:

$25 fee for late payments after a one-week grace period
Accounts past due after 4 weeks will result in termination of lessons.
I will not schedule a lesson time until I receive the registration fee.

Making payments:

Checks payable to “Melody McGeary”
- $25 fee for returned checks
Online through the student portal
- with online convenience fee of 2.9%

Mid-semester enrollment:

Pro-rated tuition for mid-semester enrollment

Refunds:

No refunds for missed lessons.
I will refund lessons I cancel and cannot make up.
Pro-rated refund policy with 30-day notification of termination or if I must terminate lessons.
Without 30-day notification of termination, families will be held responsible to pay 30 days from the date I am informed of termination (except in the case of an emergency, and I reserve the right to determine what constitutes an emergency).

Additional opportunities

(NOT included in studio tuition)

Group classes (3 per semester) (see page 8 of enrollment packet)

Pricing and payment options:
- Yearly rate: $300
- Semester installments: $300/2 terms = $150
- Monthly installments: $300/9 months = $34
- Payment deadlines: year – Aug. 31, semester – Aug. 31 & Jan. 18, month – before 1st of each month
- Students participating will receive a 5% discount on studio tuition.
Refunds:
- No refunds for missed classes.
- Pro-rated refund policy with 30-day notification of termination.
- Without 30-day notification of termination, families will be held responsible to pay 30 days from the date I am informed of termination (except in the case of an emergency, and I reserve the right to determine what constitutes an emergency).
- Should a student terminate class participation, they will lose the 5% discount on studio tuition.
- Pro-rated refund policy if I must terminate classes for whatever reason.

Five-day summer camp (mornings)

$100 x 5 days = $500 per student

Coached practice sessions

scheduled on an individual basis
$25.76 per 30-minute session
$36.06 per 45-minute session
$46.38 per 60-minute session

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2020-2021 Studio Policy

Services Offered

Included in Tuition

45- or 60-minute private piano lessons
Performance classes

Additional Instruction

Group classes (see page 8 of enrollment packet)
Coached practice sessions
Summer camp (if enough interest)

Eligibility

Criteria for Beginning

Age, maturity, and interest
Parental support
Student-teacher dynamic
I reserve the right to determine who I accept.

Criteria for Continuing

Attendance
Motivation and interest
Paid tuition
Preparation for lessons
Student-teacher dynamic
I reserve the right to terminate lessons.

Practice

Expectations

Students are expected to make practicing a part of their daily routine (just like homework). They should practice consistently 5 to 6 days per week.
As students progress, the recommended amount of daily practice time will increase.
Quality of practice far outweighs quantity.
Students should avoid distraction during a practice session (TV, pets, phone, etc.)
Students should be focused and work to improve things covered in the lesson rather than merely playing through entire pieces.
Often multiple shorter sessions will be more productive than a single long session.
Practicing at the same time each day is recommended. Morning practice times are best if at all possible.
Consistent practice is essential for progress.
Regular rest is also important.

Parental Involvement

The support of parents is critical to a student’s success.
Parents are encouraged to quietly observe lessons.
- There is a required observation week each term (see pages 9–11 of enrollment packet for calendar).
- I reserve the right to request a parent not sit in on lessons if it negatively impacts lesson atmosphere.
Students may need reminders and encouragement to practice consistently.
Parents can help children practice even if they don’t know anything about music.
- Ask them about their lessons.
- Go through the assignments with them and make sure they have done everything.
- Encourage their progress.
- Remind them to try again, maybe a little slower. (Sometimes children do not like repeating things.)
- Guide your student, but do not give away answers. (The goal is to develop independent practicing.)
- Avoid playing the role of teacher. Learn from lessons and reinforce what I am doing with them.
- Allow your child to have fun doing his or her own thing at the piano, but maintain a clear distinction between this and true practicing.
- Have high expectations for your child and communicate them clearly.
- Avoid comparing your child to siblings or other friends. Each child learns differently and at a different pace.
- Don’t expect your child to maintain a consistently high level of interest and enthusiasm. It’s normal for this to fluctuate, but perseverance will pay off. Learning a musical instrument is fun but requires hard work and diligence, so do not be alarmed if it does not always feel like fun and games.
- Encourage your child to play for friends and family, and praise their good work.
Open communication with parents is vital. We want to be working together as a team to help your student learn. I can use parental feedback in order to learn how to better motivate and encourage your child.
- Please contact me immediately if you perceive a problem with your child’s piano lessons.
- Please express concerns with an approach or assignment in private (not in front of the student).

Lesson Etiquette

Preparation

Students are expected to arrive early enough that the lesson can begin at the scheduled time.
Students are expected to bring all their materials to each lesson.
Students are expected to have completed their entire assignment before their lesson.

Waiting

Students are expected to wait quietly for their turn.
Siblings are allowed to sit in on lessons provided they bring an activity and are able to wait quietly without distracting the student.

Hygiene

To avoid allergy cross-contamination and the spreading of germs, students are expected to wash their hands upon arriving for their lessons.
Students are expected to keep their nails reasonably short. If nails are too long, they can make it difficult to play appropriately with tips of fingers.
To prevent allergy cross-contamination, please do not bring any food inside with you.

Behavior

Students should act respectfully and listen well to directions.
Students may not play the piano while I am talking to them.
Students should ask questions if they are confused or don’t understand something.

Performance

Performance Classes

I typically provide four performance classes per year (see pages 9–10 of enrollment packet for dates).
Students have the opportunity to perform for each other and give/receive constructive feedback.
Students are expected to attend regardless of whether they are performing.

Recitals

I typically provide at least two recitals each year (see pages 9–10 of enrollment packet for dates).
I strongly encourage all my students to participate in the recitals.
- Performances provide excellent motivation for a student’s study and are an important part of developing as a musician. (It’s normal to get nervous!)
- The recitals also provide a great opportunity for parents, family, and friends to see the students’ progress.
- Sometimes I will hold a recital at a retirement community or special needs home, where the residents really enjoy performances. So it’s a great way to bless others with their playing.
Students are expected to perform solo music from memory.
I reserve the right to determine whether a student is prepared to perform. A poor performance experience can be more detrimental to a child’s love of music study than we sometimes realize.
Students are expected to dress nicely for recitals and wear shoes appropriate for pedaling. (No jeans and flip flops!)

Festivals and Competitions

Late elementary to advanced students are encouraged to participate in local piano festivals and competitions.
The first $60 of fees/lesson materials are covered in tuition (see page 12 of enrollment packet for a breakdown of tuition & fees).

Instrument/Materials

Instrument

An acoustic piano at home is ideal, but a digital piano is fine as well if it has 88 weighted keys and a sustain pedal.
A keyboard without weighted keys is strongly discouraged!
An acoustic piano should be tuned at least twice per year.

Materials

The first $65 of materials/festival or competition participation fees are covered in tuition (see page 12 of enrollment packet for a breakdown of tuition & fees).
Having a metronome at home for practice purposes is strongly recommended.

Borrowed Materials

Sometimes I loan books, games, or other materials.
A list of loaned items can be found under “Lending Library” on the student portal.
Students may not write in borrowed books without permission.
Borrowed items should be brought to every lesson.
Borrowed materials should be returned in the condition they were received.
- If students fail to do so, they will be expected to purchase a new copy.

Scheduling

A studio calendar is provided at the beginning of each academic year.

Group/performance class dates
Recital dates
Required parent observation weeks
Special events
Make-up weeks
Breaks
Payment deadlines

Lesson time sign-ups for fall and spring terms take place through the student portal before lessons begin in September.

Cancellation Policy

Consistency of lessons is important especially when preparing for a performance.
Cancellations should be infrequent and communicated as far in advance as possible.
Refunds will not be provided for missed lessons or classes.

Make-up Policy

Please try to swap lesson times with someone else in the studio before contacting me about rescheduling
- Cancel your lesson through the student portal
- Look for available times on the calendar that work for you
- If none, select “Show Full Events” and click on a time that would work to see the current attendee
- Find the student/parent contact information under “Contact Info” and contact them about the possibility of swapping lesson times
- Once they cancel their lesson and register for your time or another available slot, you can register for that event using your make-up credit.
- Be sure to plan a swap at least one week in advance (for the sake of lesson planning).
If swapping is not possible, I am happy to work with you to reschedule any missed lessons when possible, but I do not guarantee it.
I also provide make-up lesson weeks (see pages 9–11 of enrollment packet for calendar).

Tuition

A breakdown of tuition and fees is provided at the beginning of each academic year.

Tuition is calculated based on per-lesson/class rates and administrative costs (see page 12 of enrollment packet for a breakdown of tuition & fees).
There is a yearly fee to cover the cost of materials, festivals, and competitions.
Discounts available (see page 12 of enrollment packet for details).
Group classes and summer camp are not included in tuition (see page 13 of enrollment packet for pricing).

Location & Parking

I teach lessons in my home.

See enrollment packet for address.
Please remove your shoes after stepping inside. The piano is in the large room just down the hall.
Please park in the “guest” spot or the house number spot in front of the house.

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