Thoughts on Interviews: Choo-choo Train

When I conduct an interview, I typically plunk the child on the bench, relegate Mom (usually) to a chair behind me, and address the student. My first question is always, “Why do you want to take piano lessons?” If I get a shrug, or the eyes flick to the parent, I know this little person is most likely being coerced into coming. If the parent answers the question, the red alert klaxon from Star Trek sounds in my mind.

I also ask about other activities and carefully monitor the child’s face and body-language as they talk about soccer or hockey or gymnastics. Then I rote-teach my composition, “Choo-choo Train.” Actively teaching at the interview shows me: 

• How quickly the student can pick up demonstrated and verbal instructions

• How well the student can concentrate

• The student’s level of enthusiasm and interest in learning

• The student’s ability to imagine and draw connections between the sound they are creating and a train pulling into the station, slowing down to the last “whoosh” of steam.

• How well I can communicate with the child and if they understand my style of instruction which relies heavily on imagery

It also introduces the following concepts:

• Finger numbers

• Groups of black keys

• High and low notes

• Rallentando

• Being able to take the hands off the piano and then to find their place with the correct fingers while maintaining a steady pulse.

Of course, I don’t disqualify anyone from taking lessons if they can’t master Choo-choo Train; the point is to gauge their strengths, weaknesses and excitement for lessons.

I’m delighted to share my little Choo-choo Train piece with you. Try it out and feel free to share your experiences.

Keep playing! Keep learning! Keep loving!