Reading music might be the very last thing we should teach. Today, I'm joined by co-host Ian Belloso and our guest Krista Jadro, piano faculty at the Gordon Institute for Music Learning, to unpack music learning theory and the concept of audiation. We talk through resting tones, singing before symbols, and why students don't open a reading book until well into their training.

  • Tim explained how discovering music learning theory changed his own teaching.
  • Krista shared how a jazz band video convinced her MLT was the way to teach.
  • Why tonal and rhythm patterns are taught separately in music learning theory.
  • How audiation differs from simply hearing or memorizing a tune.
  • Krista demonstrated audiation using a folk tune to show tonic and dominant patterns.
  • Ian asked how singing and movement fit into a typical beginner lesson.
  • Why the resting tone gives students a sense of home in the music.
  • How movement stays continuous rather than stopping to keep the beat.
  • Tim explained the difference between music learning theory, GIML and Music Moves for Piano.
  • Why formal reading isn't introduced until around age ten to twelve.
  • Krista shared her one practical exercise every teacher can try tomorrow.
  • Why Edwin Gordon believed every student is born with musical potential.


Links Mentioned


Watch the episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/2j4scGuvW_I Today’s Guest

Krista Jadro is the owner of Music Learning Academy, an online resource center dedicated to supporting teachers using Music Moves for Piano curriculum by Marilyn Lowe for audiation-based piano instruction. Through Music Learning Academy, Krista provides online courses, leads study groups, and presents and hosts webinars and workshops. Krista has a thriving piano studio at Brookline Music School, where she previously redesigned and directed the early childhood and group piano program. Krista is on the piano faculty with the Gordon Institute for Music Learning (aka GIML) and has a Bachelor and Masters in Music Education from University of Delaware. Krista co-hosts the Keys to Music Learning Podcast with fellow GIML faculty member Hannah Mayo, exploring all things audiation-based piano instruction. Today’s Co-Host

Ian Belloso is a pianist, composer, music producer, and educator based in Bethlehem, PA. He's the founder of Piano Belloso Music, a playing-based piano studio serving students of all ages, and Techier Teacher, a coaching platform helping online music educators simplify their tech and build confident, connected virtual studios. His work lives at the intersection of structure and creativity — building systems that remove barriers so people can focus on what matters: expression, learning, and human connection.


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