How the "Payam Method" keeps the joy in learning piano

The Payam Method Overview00:01

Piano is good for everyone and the Payam Method is a new approach to teaching the instrument developed by Payam Kaskodey. The method prioritizes keeping teaching fun while also teaching students to improvise, differing significantly from traditional rigid instruction.

Traditional vs. Payam Method Teaching00:30

Traditional piano teaching requires learning scales and early classical pieces like Beethoven from the start. Many students become lost by year two and never catch up. The Payam Method avoids following a specific book and instead personalizes instruction for each student.

Personalized Song Selection by Age01:00

Students at age four learn nursery rhyme songs. By ages six or seven, they progress to movie songs. By age ten, they play songs from video games they enjoy. The method adapts to any age and any music preference while still teaching required techniques.

Student Choice and Technique Focus01:31

"We're not forcing you to learn specific songs. We're forcing you to learn the techniques, but in songs you actually like, which makes it a lot more enjoyable."

The analogy compares this to an English teacher allowing students to read any book they choose for 30 minutes rather than mandating The Odyssey. Students maintain control over song selection while learning necessary techniques.

Preserving Joy and Personal Interpretation02:02

Classical theory tends to strip the joy from playing and forces everyone to play the same way. Payam Kaskodey wants students to play at the piano literally. Students learn required material but apply their own interpretation. Beethoven himself would play his symphonies differently across concerts, bringing his own take to the notes.