I’m Tom Kersey, founder of Beginner’s Mind Music.  I’ve been a musician for most of my life and have taught music since 2002.  I started BMM to showcase my philosophy and approach to both music education and life in general.  Throughout my years of teaching, I’ve developed a lot of ideas and techniques, and I’ve seen some major issues pop up over and over again with some of the ways music is taught, especially classical music.  I’ve seen things which could be improved, and some things which in my view are actually harmful to a student’s natural progression and development.  

I’ve learned a lot from my own teachers, colleagues and even my own students, and I want to share my insight and experience.  One of my greatest joys in life is sharing music with others in the same spirit as the child who comes across a fascinating little creature or a beautiful seashell in the sand, excitedly cups it in their hands, finds another person and says “look what I found!”

90298082_10163277610491337_6484995434040262656_n.jpg

More about my teaching philosophy

What I think is often missing in music lessons:

  • Playing by ear

  • Ear training in general

  • Improvisation

  • Playing from memory

  • Full-body awareness and movement

  • Singing

  • Music theory and analysis

  • Composition

  • Music history

  • Listening to music

  • How not to play

  • How to make mistakes and recover from them

  • Open-mindedness

  • Facing and overcoming fear

  • Expressive playing

  • How to practice

  • Independence and self-reliance

  • Ego-lessness

  • How to be a sensitive and mindful ensemble player

  • How to play with others

  • Musical forms and structure

  • Mindful practicing

  • Self-critique

  • Pursuing the student’s unique interests


What I think is often harmful in music lessons:

  • Over-reliance on sheet music

  • Generic lesson plans and methodology