Dr. Evan Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Florida, joins us to share his ideas about how scientific studies and the Montessori learning model can be applied to the piano studio. We discuss extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, goals, rewards, deadlines, the power of a question, making things into a game, and teacher-centered versus student-centered lessons.

Evan’s website: https://evanmitchell.net/

Evan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evan.mitchell.pianist

Resources:

The Essential Montessory by Elizabeth Hainstock

“Rethinking the value of choice: A cultural perspective on intrinsic motivation” by Iyengar, S. S., & Lepper, M. R. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

“Undermining children’s intrinsic interest with extrinsic reward: A test of the ‘overjustification’ hypothesis” by Lepper, M. R., Greene, D., & Nisbett, R. E. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard

The Marshmallow Test — Mastering Self-Control by Watler Mischel

Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook: A Short Guide to Her Ideas and Materials by Maria Montessori

“The effects of choice on intrinsic motivation and related outcomes: A meta-analysis of research findings”by Patall, E. A., Cooper, H., & Robinson, J. C, Psychological Bulletin