In Part Two of our conversation with musician and educator James Kessler, we dive deeper into what it really looks like to teach through audiation—across instruments, ages, and experience levels. James shares candid reflections on his early discomfort with singing and movement, how vulnerability became a powerful teaching tool, and why mentorship is essential when learning to teach through Music Learning Theory. We explore meaningful connections between Music Moves for Piano, Jump Right In, and Developing Musicianship Through Improvisation, including how these approaches support advanced students, ensemble skills, improvisation, and true musical understanding. This episode also honors the profound influence of Marilyn Lowe, especially her deep understanding of child development and her insistence on centering the needs of the student over the agenda of the teacher. The conversation is honest, practical, and at times emotional—offering reassurance to teachers who may feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or “behind,” and encouragement to trust the process. Whether you teach piano, band, strings, mallet percussion, or are mentoring other teachers, this episode is a reminder that audiation-based teaching is not just for beginners—it’s a lifelong pathway to musicianship, joy, and connection. Support Keys to Music Learning through the Keys to Music Learning Community! Join us on Facebook! Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources. Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.
