Surprise! What Learner Type are You?

August 16, 2021 Leslie Young

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I learned more than a few things in writing this and researching a bit on the different learner type categories relating to piano students and piano teachers. I even learned some “learning hacks” for each learner type that certainly make sense. Knowing your learner type and the hacks that go with it can apparently improve the speed and depth of learning something new. That’s surprising!

I’m thinking about all this in terms of piano instruction and learning, but a person could use this information about learner type and hacks to have more success in a career or other areas. The key is discovering the learning type that actually works for you and not wasting time with those that do not.

I already knew about the Visual Learner type, the Auditory, the Reading, and the Kinesthetic; but two other types were new to me:

Group and Social Learners love teamwork and are often the leaders in these learning situations.

Multimodal Learners use more than one learning type. They make up around 60% of the entire population.

The Revolutionary Piano Method

This method for learning to play the piano works for a variety of student learner types:

The “needs a quiet place alone” learner.

The “needs an experienced instructor” learner.

The “needs a peer/friend along with me” learner.

The “needs to be at home with a parent teacher” learner.

The “needs to be self-guided with a book” learner.

It also is for the experienced teacher who appreciates a time-tested, proven method based on sound instructional design principles – as well as, the inexperienced teacher who needs guidance. The instructions are written so that, as a student, you feel you have a teacher by your side.

As a piano teacher to students of a wide range of ages, commitment of time and the amount of learner dedication varies with the student age, experience, maturity, and situation. Children of certain ages may do very well with a parent as teacher; others may need someone who is not family to instruct them. Some older children and adults prefer to make progress on their own, and the Revolutionary Piano Method is designed to act as a meticulous guide through new material. Some adults and teens insist on professional teachers, which also encourages continuity. Because these books are self-explanatory, a new or experienced professional teacher will have no trouble using the Revolutionary Piano Method with students. It is an easy way to learn piano.

Leslie Young is the author/composer of the Revolutionary Piano Method. She co-founded a K-12th grade charter school in Texas and has been a piano teacher for about 40 years. She has had experience teaching a variety of students tackling piano for the first time or as returning students

Leslie believes that “learning to play the piano is more about diligence and perseverance” – but would add that just as critical to success is the method that is used, the encouragement of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.

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