Studying music increases the ability to concentrate, perseverance, rigour, teamwork and the ability to overcome frustration, says Jordi Barceló, pianist, composer and teacher

Jordi Barceló has been dedicated to music education for almost 40 years. Pianist, composer and teacher, his greatest passion has always been music and, especially, the piano. Throughout his career, he has been part of numerous musical and professional projects, creating his own melodies, reinterpreting works by other artists and sharing the stage with highly talented musicians. He has managed the music school of Andorra (at la Massana and Ordino) for more than 10 years and, later, went on to develop several projects until creating his own music school. This year, the school celebrated its first anniversary. Interview: Irina Rybalchenko How do you adapt the classes according to the age, level and personality of each student? Exactly, it is completely personalised. Each student is truly a world in themselves, and each person’s tastes are different. We try, without losing sight of the main objective, which is for them to play better and enjoy what they are doing, to tailor the repertoire extensively, both technically and interpretatively. Whether it is a small child or an adult, we try to adapt to their tastes. How many teachers are there? Currently, I have a teaching team of 13 teachers, all of whom have a higher degree. It is one of the requirements that I set for all the teachers who work at my school, whether to teach classes, rehearse or give workshops. The quality must be very high in order to offer the best service. Do you organize concerts or trips? Our venue has fantastic conditions for holding concerts, which we began three months ago. We hold a monthly recital in our school hall. Although it has a limited capacity of about 40 people, we have begun to make many more things happen at the school. We don’t want it to be just a centre where you come to take an instrument lesson and that’s it, but a space where you can experience much more related to music. We have a professional recording studio and students, teachers, artists and professionals have already come to record their projects there. We also have a very well-equipped room technically, with top-quality instruments. We have three grand pianos and all the equipment is acoustic and professional. What can music bring to a person beyond technique and stage? This is something that has been scientifically studied. Studying any instrument considerably increases the ability to concentrate. Consistency, rigour, teamwork and the ability to overcome frustration are also developed. It is an activity that greatly benefits the brain and the general functioning of any individual. Retention, memory, knowing how to find solutions to small problems and the satisfaction of overcoming difficulties when you study a score that initially seemed impossible. What really determines whether a student will stay motivated to learn piano over time? The first goal is for the student to have a good time, especially young children. Learning music should be fun and enriching. Obviously, if you want to improve, you will need effort and perseverance, and you will also have to work at home. But what you need to find in school is motivation. This is something that I have taken great care of with my teachers. The student must come to class motivated and find the tools to continue studying and learning to play the instrument. The way for the student to have fun is by also giving them a part of what they want to play, helping them overcome difficulties while enjoying the process. That is why it is so important to have a well-prepared teaching staff. It is very easy to play an instrument and give lessons. Anyone who plays a little can teach someone else, but doing it responsibly is different. Musicians prepare for many years to be able to assume the responsibility of being teachers, and this is something that is sometimes not valued enough within the world of music pedagogy. And finally, what advice would you give to someone who has always wanted to play the piano but thinks it is too late? It is never too late. What is unrealistic is to think that in one or two years you will become a great concert performer. But learning to play an instrument is something that anyone can do at any age. Musical learning does not expire or have an age limit, nor any barriers. We have all kinds of students, from very young children to people over 90 years old. It is also important to note that I have had students with different types of difficulties, both psychological and physical. Both they and their families are very satisfied with the learning we offer at the school. Well, we will all see you at your music school!The post Studying music increases the ability to concentrate, perseverance, rigour, teamwork and the ability to overcome frustration, says Jordi Barceló, pianist, composer and teacher first appeared on All PYRENEES.