Unlock Your Learning Style: Discover How You Learn Music Best
Have you ever wondered why some singers or pianists can learn music just by glancing at music score , while others seem to understand best through listening or endless practice?
It all boils down to the way we learn.
Welcome to the fascinating world of learning styles, a game-changer in understanding how we are, absorb, process, and retain new information especially when learning how to play piano or sing!
I’ve always been a constant learner. Whether I’m working on a new piece or exploring a fresh approach to teaching, I thrive on growing and evolving. But one of the biggest breakthroughs in both my learning and teaching came when I truly understood my own learning style.
Right now, for example, I’m learning how to improvise on the piano and play and sing jazz. I learn a lot just by listening—especially when I’m walking or driving. That’s when ideas start to click. But here’s the catch: the information only really becomes permanent when I sit down and apply what I’ve learned.
That hands-on practice is what cements it in my brain.
Knowing that about myself has completely transformed the way I learn new skills. But it’s also had a huge impact on the way I teach.
Over the past two decades of working with students, I’ve discovered something powerful: every student learns differently.
While each one brought their own unique gift, their struggles varied—some wrestled with music theory, others found memorization difficult, and many had trouble keeping rhythm.
The turning point in my teaching came when I let go of the one-size-fits-all approach.
I started identifying each student’s primary learning language—Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, or Kinesthetic. Once I understood how they learned best, I could tailor my teaching to meet them where they were.
But here’s the key: while I focus on identifying a student’s dominant style, I incorporate all four learning styles in my teaching.
Why?
Because combining them creates deeper understanding and long-term retention. It's not just about what works—it's about what works best together.
I’ve also found that group learning brings something extra special.
Students don’t just learn from me—they learn from each other. Watching someone else interpret music visually, describe it verbally, or embody it physically sparks new insights, builds empathy, and inspires growth in ways solo learning can’t always match.
Today, I don’t just teach music—I teach learners. And I’ve learned that the most effective teaching starts by understanding how the student learns.
Visual Learners: Seeing is Believing
Meet Sarah, a promising pianist with a mind as sharp as a tack when it comes to visual cues. Her learning took off like a rocket when we incorporated visual elements—charts of musical notes and flashcards, color coding. Suddenly, the Circle of Fifths wasn't just a concept, but a vibrant, colorful map in her memory. If you're a visual learner, embrace books, graphs, and visual presentations. They're your best friends on the path to learning piano and voice.
Auditory Learners: The Sound of Knowledge
Then there was Jake, who thrived on sounds. Discussions, listening to performances of different musicians, and even the rhythm of spoken words set his learning ablaze. I remember playing a Mozart piece, and seeing his eyes light up as he effortlessly identified intervals. For auditory learners like Jake, hearing is not just part of the learning process—it's the heart of it. Engage in discussions, soak up presentations, and let your ears guide your learning.
Reading/Writing Learners: Put a pen to paper.
My own discovery as a reading and writing learner wasn't immediate. I often found myself surrounded by notes, and yes, countless to-do lists. Writing things down became my secret weapon, increasing my retention by a 50%. If you’re like me, the written word, worksheets and workbooks are your playground.
Read books, take notes, and use writing to help you understand and remember what you learn.
Kinesthetic Learners: The Experience Makers
Finally, there's Emily, a kinesthetic learner whose understanding blossomed through movement. Dance, clapping/tapping rhythms, playing music together with others and hands-on activities transformed abstract concepts into lived experiences. For tactile learners, learning is more than information—it's an act of creation and co-creation. Dive into singing and music projects, get your hands moving, playing and singing and live the learning experience.
Find Your Style
So, which learning style resonates with you? Maybe you find yourself combining a few, or perhaps one jumps out as your dominant mode. Embrace it. As you tailor your learning to fit your style, you'll not only absorb information more efficiently but also enjoy the journey far more.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply a lifelong learner, understanding your learning style can be the key to unlocking your potential.
Click here to discover your learning style.
Once you find out please share in the comments below.
