We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bernadette Ashby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bernadette, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My love for music and the fine arts was always there as a child. I was fortunate to take a few piano lessons but playing never took. I resided myself to the fact that I would never be able to play. I continued to love all kinds of music throughout my teen years, young adulthood, and as an older adult. It wasn’t until I wanted my kids to play the piano that I found a system that would unlock my musicianship. Afterall, I was 37 years old and it would be unreal to play at my age let alone teach. But I never gave up my dream. That was over 25 years ago and I am happy to say now I can play and teach. I’ve built a successful studio and continued to play. It’s been an amazing journey of discovery, unlocking a part of me that was cocooned all these years. I am blessed to unleash the music within and to share it with others. I’ve been able to make a career as a music educator and live my purpose. My story is recorded in my book called A World Where Everyone Plays, a collection of stories about the possibility of playing the piano no matter what the circumstances. It’s very inspiring.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
After 25 years of teaching hundreds of students, young and old, to play the piano, my level of mastery has developed, where I can teach at the upper levels of piano playing as well as coaching music educators in the art of playing-based playing. What exactly does that mean? My brand of teaching piano is such that instead of teaching students how to read music first, I actually get their hands on the piano and teach them how to play songs. In their first year, they develop about 20-30 pieces of music in the genres of blues, accompaniment, classical, and pop pieces that they can play anytime, anywhere, and any place. It’s really quite impressive but mostly a lot of fun. Then I teach them to read and that opens up another universe of musicianship. The method that I used is called Simply Music. It has profoundly impacted my life and the lives of my students. At one point, I had over 70 students. My current interests lie in coaching
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I am in the relationship business, so probably the most vital quality to have is EQ, which is the ability to relate well to all kinds of people and circumstances. My belief in God has helped me love and nurture others. When students and their families intuitively sense that they are accepted and cared for, their commitment to what you offer and to you is unyielding. They stay with you for the long haul.
I also believe that being prepared, trained, and organized makes a substantial difference in how you are viewed as a teacher. Obtaining skillsets that make you stand out and that are not offered by others, highlights that you are a different kind of teacher. How are you a purple cow? A continual effort of self-development is mandatory. Learn all you can, knowing that what you do today sets you up for constant success in the future.
A key characteristic is patience and kindness. These speak volumes to humankind. Learning how to listen empowers you as a strong, compassionate leader. Living by good virtues is a major asset in interacting with people.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I have been blessed to have some amazing mentors in my life. They have formed my thinking and who I am. It wasn’t one particular person, but they all played a crucial role in my growth at various stages. I chose mentors with the qualities I wanted and pursued them to mentor me. I have no regrets in this endeavor, as my relationships with them have all paid off. I am a better person and a better teacher because of them. Look for mentors you are drawn to and who you want to become, and then pursue them and build a relationship with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pianolessonssanjose.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofpianostudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortheloveofpianostudio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-ashby-b2734921/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/for-the-love-of-piano-studio-san-jose
