In a society dominated by consumerism and the pursuit of instant gratification, music, a profound art form, is often devalued and seen as having no practical value. Activities that don't bring tangible material gain are seen as frivolous, leading us to ask: what is the point of studying music?

Music is an expression of life itself, a personal construction that transcends the limits of tangible reality. If objective reality is elusive, then each individual is free to create their own reality. In this perspective, music becomes an embodiment of life, free from boundaries, prejudice and intolerance. Through practice, performance and listening, music fosters a process of self-creation. Sound is not only perceived by the ear, but experienced by the mind and soul.

Many traditional approaches to music education, while having their merits, often lack the personalisation necessary to stimulate independent thought. Knowledge is imparted as a pre-packaged solution without encouraging true critical engagement.

True teaching goes beyond mere technique; it's an individual interaction that engages not only the senses but also the emotions. It's an active process, not a passive absorption of information. A work of music flourishes through the exploration of different perspectives, not through adherence to rigid dogma.

My approach to piano teaching focuses on the individual needs of each student, fostering a deep understanding of both the music and the instrument. I encourage a variety of interpretations, not a single "absolute truth". Drawing on Italian conservatoire traditions and Swiss pedagogy, this method is suitable for students of all levels, offering flexibility and personal attention.

Through a careful assessment of each student's strengths and weaknesses, I develop individual training programmes. Pieces and exercises, chosen with care and creativity, are tailored to each student's specific goals. I am a firm believer in the importance of "listening diagnosis": I examine all the student's characteristics, the causes and consequences of each problem, in order to define a tailor-made programme. My programmes take a creative approach to problem solving. I constantly monitor progress, challenges overcome and goals achieved to create a solid foundation on which to build new goals.

The learning journey begins with the identification of primary goals, which are unique to each student. From this assessment, a personalised programme is developed through a dialogue based on mutual respect. Regular meetings ensure that progress is monitored and any misunderstandings are addressed promptly. Once the foundations have been laid, new goals are set to take the student to higher levels.

Piano performance, understood as a means of self-expression, is at the core of my teaching. Lessons are followed by daily practice aimed at consolidating the techniques learnt. Discipline and perseverance are essential. Students are encouraged to confront their weaknesses and not just focus on their strengths. Music, as an expression of human emotion, invites exploration through multiple interpretations. The process is introspective, not mechanical. It nurtures awareness, concentration, creativity, and the continuous search for the humanistic content of a composition.

My lessons are based on demonstrative examples and learning strategies to be applied at home. I assess acquired skills by examining the means used by the student during the lesson.

Piano lessons should enhance the student's individual musical
understanding. The ideal programme enables them to express their unique voice. It encourages critical thinking, not rote learning, and cultivates future responsible generations.

My specialisation is a combination of studies in Italian Conservatories and Swiss pedagogy, with a focus on comparative research between methods and traditions from different countries and cultures of different periods. My courses are aimed at bachelor and master students, children, pre-college students and musicians who study piano as a complementary instrument.

In summary, the fundamental aspects of my method are the personal relationship, the creation of an individual programme, and home practice strategies. I believe that each student has a unique potential and my aim is to help them to express this to the full through music.

If my words have stimulated your interest and you would like to explore the possibility of studying piano with a personalised approach, I invite you to contact me for a preliminary consultation. I'll be happy to discuss your upcoming goals and see if we can embark on a fruitful course of study together.

S.Severini