Have you ever watched a piano student’s eyes glaze over — even though they’re “doing the work”?

In this episode, Gillian and Paul unpack groundbreaking neuroscience research that explains why this happens — and what actually helps students learn faster, retain more, and enjoy lessons again.

We explore Dr Stanislas Dehaene’s Four Pillars of Learning and show exactly how they apply to modern piano teaching through the Whole Body Learning (WBL) approach.

(00:00) Why students’ eyes glaze over and how to maintain their attention

(01:12) How the brain learns best and how to use this to your advantage

(02:25) Why passive learning doesn’t work in piano lessons and what to do instead

(03:35) Why students keep coming back with the same mistakes and what to do about it

(04:40) How students can make progress even if they don't practice

Podcast resources available on the Piano Teaching Success website.

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Dehaene’s Four Pillars of Learning (visual/model)

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Discover The Studio

In this episode, we unpack the real challenges today’s piano teachers face in an AI-driven, distraction-heavy world:

• Shorter attention spans
• Rising anxiety
• Overwhelmed students
• Perfectionism

Find out how Whole Body Learning (WBL), our neuroscience-backed teaching approach can cut through digital overload and transform engagement from the very first lesson.

You’ll learn how WBL works, why it boosts memory and focus, and how one simple beginner piece, Cha Cha Cha, can be layered for learners of all ages to build technique, confidence and instant success.

Try Cha Cha Cha for yourself

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Watch the interview with Jane Shellshear on seating position here.

🎉 We have a small favour to ask - if you loved the latest neuroscience and helpful hacks for teaching today's kids in this episode, please click subscribe and like so our content can reach more piano teachers just like you.

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Spotify | Apple | YouTube Video | YouTube Audio | iHeart | Amazon | Goodpods | Pocket Casts