Propaganda I’m Not Falling For: Piano Teacher Edition

If you are on TikTok, you have probably seen the new trend where someone posts what propaganda they’re not falling for – usually specific to their field. If you’re not on TikTok, think of this as an end-of-the-year wrap up. What worked? What isn’t working? Where can I grow? (Stay tuned for my personal wrap up in a future blogpost!)

This, of course, got me started thinking about ideas I used to implement in my teaching that I no longer use as well as some current popular ideas that I don’t agree with. In all transparency, there have been many times over my teaching career that I wish someone had pulled me aside and whispered, “Hey, just so you know - you don’t have to believe everything this industry tells you”; because as much as I love the world of piano teaching, it’s filled with unwritten rules, old-school advice, and sneaky little myths we swallow without question. And honestly? Some of those ideas do nothing but steal the joy from our studios and our students.

So today, I’m sharing the top 5 pieces of piano teaching propaganda that I refuse to fall for. These are the lessons that have nothing to do with trophies, flawless technique, or perfect practice records, and everything to do with what actually matters.

🎹 1️. A student needs to start taking lessons as a young child to become truly accomplished.

I believed this one for years. I thought if a student wasn’t at the piano before or at least by kindergarten, their chances at becoming a “real” pianist were over. But here’s the truth: some of the most passionate, creative, and soulful musicians I know didn’t touch a keyboard until middle school, high school, or even adulthood. Talent and a love for music aren’t on a timer, and your studio should be a place where people of any age can thrive.

🎹 2️. Competitions and exams are the only proof of real accomplishment.

Yes, it’s wonderful to celebrate students at recitals and award ceremonies. I’ll admit, I’ve teared up at more than one shiny trophy moment. But I’ve teared up more often during the little moments. The most meaningful victories often happen away from the stage – in the practice room, in the lesson, in the quiet moments of reflection. Like, the student who writes a song for his mom. The teen who sits down to play to help her process a rough day. The adult student who finally learns the song they loved as a child.

Musical success isn’t only measured in certificates and medals. It’s measured in joy, confidence, and the ability to use music as a beautiful part of life. This is how I know I have been successful as a teacher.

🎹 3. If a student doesn’t practice daily, they aren’t serious about piano.

Oh, this one. I used to get so worked up over practice logs and missed days. As we all know, though, life happens. Kids get sick. Teens have exams and jobs and often many other extracurricular activities. Adults juggle careers and families.

I have completely let go of having students set practice goals and keep track of how much time they spend at the piano. In my opinion, this is one less stressor for us all – and it helps to relieve the sense that there is an expectation of perfection. It’s never about perfection. It is always about progress, consistency, and a healthy relationship with music over time.

My role as the teacher isn’t to enforce rigid routines. It’s to nurture a love for music that can last a lifetime. Experience has taught me that when students enjoy playing, they will make time for it; so instead of focusing on ways to get students to practice and how much they are practicing, I choose to focus on helping them develop their unique gifts and on finding rep that they want to play. And in doing this, we are all much happier!

🎹 4️. Classical technique is the only legitimate foundation for piano study.

Classical piano is one of my first loves. It was the first movement of Beethoven’s Pathetique that inspired me to study more of his music. Before that, it was Khatchaturian and Eugenie Rocherolle. Classical music is my foundation, but not every student is drawn to the classical style. Good technique should serve the music your students love, not trap them in one stylistic lane. Whether they dream of Chopin, Coldplay, movie soundtracks, or worship music, your job is to give them tools to play it well, healthily, and expressively.

Classical is beautiful, but it isn’t the only path. This took me a while to learn because classical technique was all I knew. I was too scared to try anything new. I am not exactly sure when the shift happened; but at some point, I decided that I couldn’t expect my students to grow if I was unwilling to grow with them. It’s humbling to be a beginner, but I think it is so important as a teacher to always be learning alongside your students if for no other reason than as a reminder of how it feels to receive and process new information.

🎹 5️. Your students’ achievements determine your worth as a teacher.

This one’s a heart-check. I spent way too long believing my value was tied to my students’ successes. If they won, I felt validated. If they didn’t, I questioned myself. The truth, though, is that your worth isn’t found in someone else’s trophy case. You matter because of the encouragement you give, the safe space you create, and the lifelong love for music you inspire. And that’s enough.

🎶 Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever found yourself tangled up in these beliefs, you’re not alone. I am here to remind you that what matters most in this work isn’t how fast your students play scales, how many awards they win, or what age they start lessons.

What really matters is the joy you cultivate, the confidence you build, the lifelong relationship with music you help create.That’s your legacy, and it’s more than enough. I give you permission to let go of outdated practices that no longer serve you or your students and to meet both yourself and your students where you are - offering what’s truly needed, not just what the profession dictates.

I’d love to hear from you — what piano teaching propaganda are you leaving behind? Drop a comment or send me a DM. Let’s cheer each other on!