More Than Just a Lesson: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Life of a Music Instructor

by Teacher Grace, Piano Instructor, Principal at Key Signature Music School, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) - M.Arch

"Music teachers don’t just teach notes and rhythms; they inspire dreams, build confidence, and shape futures." 

In this article, we share more about what we do as music educators outside the classroom and how our music instructors at Key Signature Music School take pride and dedication in providing the best musical education experience for our students. 

1. Understanding music book series, teaching methodology and preparing our own in-house worksheets 

One of the things that all music educators would understand is that there are many ways of teaching fundamentals and key concepts in music. This varies from instrument to instrument, and some self-studying, teacher discussions, and research are required to understand the differences in teaching using different books and material series. Furthermore, age plays an important and key factor in the choice of teaching methodology for young children. A piano beginner at 5 years old, 8 years old, or 12 years old learns at a different pace, and their capability of understanding, strength, and attention span is different.

At Key Signature Music School, we have our own in-house original worksheets and teaching materials that help cover gaps and serve as alternative teaching methods to complement the existing music teaching books in the market. This is driven by teachers who find more control and room for improved teaching by creating their own custom materials and self-arranged scores for better teaching.

2. Understanding students learning style and matching teaching style

"The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you." – Dan Rather

Every student comes in with different personalities, learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses. Some students are visual learners who learn best through visuals, tables, charts, and drawings. This means that in our lessons, it may include activities like drawing the piano, working with blank paper and illustrations, as well as teacher demonstrations in terms of posture, finger techniques, and others. Other students may learn well with movements (kinesthetic learners), where many repetitions come into play for them to get the rhythm and feeling of the music. Beyond learning styles, we have students who memorize well, while others learn best with pattern recognition. We also have a group of students who have musical strength in audio and listening, able to play by ear or improvise on their own. As music educators, we try to understand and learn how each student learns and incorporate teaching strategies that allow the students to learn music in the most engaging and effective way.

At Key Signature Music School, we welcome students of any age, personality, and background to pursue and explore music. Our team of teachers has various experiences and is trained to handle young children, students with special needs, active students with short attention spans, students who learn at a much slower pace, or students who are older with less flexible fingers. As music teachers, we understand that the ultimate end goal for music learning is different for every student. Some are learning to prepare for competitions, DSAs, or a music career or higher education, while others may be learning for leisure, as a form of relaxation, for work-life balance, or as time off from the stress outside of music. For some students, they simply enjoy the process and exposure to music with guidance and the opportunity to play their favourite songs. The most important part of learning and teaching is to guide them in approaching music the right way and to bring them closer to their musical goals.

3. Studying new syllabus for exam pieces

Many of our music instructors at Key Signature Music School take time outside the lesson to practice in our studio with our instruments. We strongly encourage music instructors to use our music facilities for them to improve, practice, and upskill themselves in their musical craft. This is essential, as music teachers must learn the musical pieces before they can teach them to their students. In the context of ABRSM and other examination boards, music exam syllabuses change every two years, and music teachers are expected to keep up and learn new pieces in line with the biannual changes in music exam syllabuses.

4. Planning of learning milestones for each students - exam/ theory/ performances 

This is a really interesting one in my opinion, as music teachers have to plan and monitor the timeline for a student’s progress and ensure they are on track towards their musical milestones, which are usually tied to specific dates such as an exam or a performance. If a music teacher has 20 students, that means 20 different milestones and progressions to keep track of! Similar to a project manager or planner, this aspect of music teaching requires organisational skills and adaptability, as some students may progress slower or faster than what the teacher initially expected and planned for. This means the teacher must push, motivate, and encourage students to progress faster and practise more at home.

5. Finding suitable scores and lesson plan (leisure) 

At Key Signature Music School, we offer leisure lessons where students curate their own lesson goals, playing songs of their choice instead of strictly following official exam syllabuses from ABRSM or Trinity. For such programs, our teachers usually work closely with the students to understand their learning needs and personalised goals, sourcing suitable scores and sometimes customising the lesson structure to fit the individual’s leisure-learning path.

6. Up skilling - attending concerts, masterclasses, further studies, performing 

Learning never stops! Music teachers are musicians as well, and we constantly learn from those who are more experienced and skilled than us. This can be in the form of technical training, specialised genres, refreshers, or teaching-related upskilling. Our music teachers at Key Signature Music School are also active in the performance scene, taking part in gigs, teaching CCAs, leading corporate workshops, or serving as worship musicians. Many of our teachers take pride in maintaining their musicianship through these performances. At our school, teachers also participate in annual recitals, whether in special teacher performances, piano accompaniment, or emceeing roles—opportunities that allow them to refine their stage presence and skills.

7. Keeping lessons fun and creating meaningful bonds with students! 

As music educators, we play a significant role in the lives of our students. This is particularly true for young children who attend lessons weekly, from an early age through to their teenage years. Teachers often witness students growing up, transitioning from kindergarten to primary, secondary, and even tertiary education. Some of my students even ask me for advice on general matters, such as which CCA to choose or which subjects to take in school. As teachers, we often go beyond the music, remembering birthdays, celebrating achievements, and taking an interest in hobbies and goals outside of lessons. These little things add up, creating meaningful connections that enhance the student’s overall learning journey.

From my personal experience, I recall teaching students not to use vulgarities in class as they transitioned into their teenage years. Over time, I have also had students share their personal challenges—such as not doing well in school exams, being scolded by teachers, or sustaining injuries while playing sports. One of my favourite moments is witnessing children grow from being picked up by their parents after class to eventually travelling independently by bus to their music lessons. As educators, we are there not only to teach technical skills, but also to provide care, support, and guidance that go far beyond music.

"To teach is to touch a life forever." – Jerry Whittle

8. Musicianship - Musical interpretations and “Signature pieces” for each teacher

This is one of my personal favourite aspects of music teaching, and of being a music teacher. Music, being a universal language and a form of expression, has no hard rules or fixed way of performing or playing a piece. Even at a professional level, musicians interpret and perform pieces differently from one another. Elements such as dynamics, phrasing, tempo changes, and musical touch can vary greatly, and each musician gradually develops their own unique style within the realm of musical expression.

As music educators, we understand that different students may have different musical strengths and a natural flair for certain genres or styles. Some students enjoy energetic, fast, detached, and lively songs, while others prefer slow, highly emotional pieces with wide dynamic ranges and expressive pedal work. Some love fast-paced Baroque pieces with interesting melodic lines, while others gravitate towards jazz-style swing rhythms and groovy pieces. For a typical student going through formal music syllabus training with ABRSM, TRINITY, or other examination boards, they would have experienced performing and exploring a variety of styles. This exposure allows them to understand differences in musicality, develop playing techniques for each style, and, over time, discover their preferences or strengths in one area or another.

Every musician has their own unique journey and experiences in playing different musical pieces throughout their learning. This also means that different instructors at Key Signature Music School may have their own “must-teach” pieces — works they believe every student should experience — which become a kind of “Signature Piece” of the teacher. My personal favourite and must-teach piano piece is Für Elise (1st Movement) by Ludwig van Beethoven. I always find joy in teaching this to my students at some point in their musical journey. Even in a simple piece like this, there are countless ways to express it. Sometimes, I share with my students a performance by Lang Lang, who interprets Für Elise in a uniquely slowed and relaxed way.

At Key Signature Music School, students not only learn basic music techniques but also develop musicality through their instructors’ guidance. Each year, our school organises and holds an annual recital where students perform pieces they have been working on or those they are most passionate about. Performance is an essential part of music education, and there is no greater teacher than the stage and audience itself. Stepping into that setting requires courage, discipline, focus, and determination — qualities that are invaluable in musicianship and beyond.

"The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see." – Alexandra K. Trenfor

9. Creativity in Teaching. 

Teaching is a craft and a skill that requires creativity, exploration, and experience. The ways to teach a child are endless. Even after more than eight years as a music educator, I still find myself experimenting with new approaches to deliver the same concepts, constantly refining my methods. This creativity and openness to exploration never cease in teachers, and they keep us inspired and passionate. Speaking for all teachers, there is a profound sense of fulfilment in realising that the way you teach, and what you teach, can influence students positively — especially when they grasp the concept and apply it successfully.

10. Positivity, Optimism and Energy 

Have plenty of rest and caring of well-being

"Teaching is the greatest act of optimism." – Colleen Wilcox

Every teacher brings their own personality, communication style, and energy into the classroom, shaping students’ learning spirit, classroom culture, and overall atmosphere. It is therefore important that teachers’ well-being is cared for — that they are well-rested, find fulfilment in their work, and remain happy in what they do. This positivity and joy naturally flow into the classroom and enrich the learning experience. At Key Signature Music School, we are committed to supporting our teachers in various ways. We understand and respect their individual needs, such as preferred schedules and student loads, to ensure that both our teachers and students enjoy the highest quality of teaching and learning.

Conclusion

Music instructors do more than teach notes and techniques—they shape confidence, spark creativity, and instill a lifelong love for music. Whether it’s your first step into the world of music or a journey to refine your skills, the right teacher makes all the difference.

You can also experience the magic of learning music with us! Feel free to book a trial lesson today and meet our team of music teachers who are ready to help you embark on your musical journey.