If you’re a teacher of any subject, you’re most likely familiar with the seven learning styles defined by a person’s cognitive ability, emotions, and environmental factors. But for private music teachers, how do you teach each learning style that will help the student learn at full capacity? I will delve into each learning style and my recommendations on how to teach each one.
1. Visual
This style of learning is the most common way people learn. For this student, it’s best to illustrate the concepts you teach, whether in the music or a notepad. For students who are reading music, it’s already in an excellent format for their learning style.
2. Auditory
This style is also known as aural or auditory-musical. The listening approach is most useful when teaching students to play chords and by ear, as it allows students to listen to something you’re playing so they can replicate it. Recording the student and letting them listen is another helpful tool.
3. Verbal
A verbal learner is similar to a visual learner, except instead of pictures, it’s words. It’s best to have information in a written format and ask the verbal learner many questions to have them answer verbally. This ensures they completely understand what’s taught and helps to deepen their understanding.
4. Physical
Physical, also called Kinesthetic learners, are hands-on learners. These students do best when you have them repeatedly play a specific concept you’re teaching them. You can tell or show them a concept, but until they play it for themselves, they most likely will not fully understand.
5. Logical
Logical learners like everything to make sense and line up. For students who like to learn and categorize information, show the math patterns in music, the reason behind each concept, and how it relates to other music parts. Keep your teaching orderly and in a step-by-step way that makes sense.
6. Social
Social learners glean knowledge from others and communicate well. Your social students can learn a lot from your words and facial expressions. Suggest that your students look up conversations online for what they’re learning to see what advice or opinions others may have.
7. Solitary
Solitary learners like to research information independently. It’s best to take advantage of this type of learner by asking questions for your student to research for the following lesson. The more you have them research various musical subjects, the more engaged they may be.