Wayland School of Music


Our approach to Teaching

Psychology is 75% of teaching anything! We create a positive, supportive and encouraging atmosphere, so students feel safe and know they can experiment, make mistakes and learn. We work hard at WSM, but we laugh a lot too!

Every student has different strengths and a unique learning profile. We teach to each individual’s strengths, but we also introduce and encourage the use of other modes of learning (for example, we might ask visual learners to close their eyes and focus on what they’re hearing, or on how their muscles feel). Students discover a range of tools to use in their practice at home – and in their other learning.

Complex tasks are broken down into small, manageable units. Thus students feel in control of their learning, and mastery is achieved, one building block at a time. We always remember that what is easy for us is new, unfamiliar and possibly awkward to our students.

Musical development goes hand in hand with technical development. The real purpose of studying and mastering an instrument is citizenship in the world of music – discovering a personal response to the music, and finding the voice and the confidence to share it freely with others.

Learning a musical instrument requires - and develops - self-discipline, dedication and determination. This is the greatest gift of music study! It will have a positive impact on every area of the student’s life, and is the root of true self-esteem.

Instrument lessons are not just about learning to play the instrument! They are about the beauty of music, the joy of learning, and the excitement of seeing your world expand in many different ways.

Come and find out for yourself!   Contact us to arrange a “try-out” lesson.