The Second-Best Time Is Now: An Interview with Piano Teacher Wenxiao

“The best time to learn music may be in childhood — but the second-best time is always now.”

An interview with our piano teacher Wenxiao about his journey into music, his mentors, and what makes a great music teacher.

Stefan: Wenxiao, what motivated you to learn to play the piano?

Wenxiao: I grew up in a musical family. My father plays several instruments, so I was exposed to music from an early age and later chose to study the piano.

Stefan: At what age did you begin?

Wenxiao: I started learning the piano when I was about seven years old.

Stefan: Why did you decide to pursue music professionally?

Wenxiao: At first, I simply found the sound of the piano very beautiful. Through practising and learning, I then discovered the great cultural depth of classical music and the expressive possibilities of the piano. That is why I decided to dedicate myself to the piano more seriously and professionally.

Stefan: Who have been the greatest musical influences in your life?

Wenxiao: The first major influence was my father. Although he is not a professional pianist, he introduced me to music and gave me my first experience of it. The strongest musical influence then came during my studies in Poland, from my professor, the Polish pianist and educator Mr Skowron.

Stefan: Are there aspects of his teaching style that continue to inspire you to this day?

Wenxiao: Yes, very many. I was particularly impressed by his serious and precise approach to classical music. He not only explained the style and background of a work, but also worked in great detail on phrasing and tone production. His patient and encouraging manner with students was equally formative. These are aspects I also try to incorporate into my own teaching, so that my students can truly experience the beauty and expressive power of music.

Stefan: What do you enjoy most about being a musician?

Wenxiao: I find it particularly fascinating to discover and understand the composer’s thoughts and expression within the music. On this basis, I try to convey my own interpretation both to the audience and to my students. I find this exchange very meaningful and fulfilling.

Stefan: And what do you enjoy most about teaching adult students?

Wenxiao: Many adult students do not have a strong technical foundation, but they have a great passion for music. I try to help them play the pieces they love and truly experience the music. Their progress is very rewarding for me as a teacher. It is important to me that students feel comfortable and free to experiment. I try to encourage them throughout the learning process, helping them gain more motivation and enjoyment from playing.

Stefan: What, in your opinion, makes a great music teacher?

Wenxiao: A good music teacher should be able to adapt lessons flexibly to each student’s level and personality. They should also be able to recognise difficulties in the learning process quickly and offer clear solutions. For me, it is especially important to gain the student’s trust, as this forms the foundation for their motivation and progress.

“It is never too late to love music and enjoy making it. The best time to learn music may be in childhood, but the second-best time is always now.”

Stefan: What can new students expect in their first piano lesson with you?

Wenxiao: First of all, a relaxed learning atmosphere is very important to me. I then try to clearly understand each student’s needs and, based on this, develop an individual learning plan. My aim is for new students to feel that they can truly develop their musical goals and their passion for music here.

Stefan: How do you motivate students when they feel they are not making progress?

Wenxiao: I first try to analyse the technical difficulties carefully and adapt the practice methods accordingly. I divide challenging passages in the piece into small, manageable sections and work through them step by step in a relaxed way. This helps students regain confidence throughout the learning process.

Stefan: What advice would you give to any aspiring pianist?

Wenxiao: I would recommend always preserving your passion for music. Learning music is a process that brings both joy and progress. I hope every student can enjoy this journey and, through it, deepen their love for music and the piano.

Stefan: And finally, what would you say to someone who is currently thinking about starting piano lessons?

Wenxiao: I would say: stop hesitating and simply begin. Trying something new always brings fresh and special experiences, and along the way you may discover a completely new joy in music.

Would you also like to begin piano lessons ? Contact us for an introductory lesson.