Inside the fun, accessible method helping piano students win competitions | 60 Minutes

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the video in order of how useful they are.  The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

To quit (doing something)

Definition: To stop doing an activity, habit, or job permanently.

Example: I finally quit playing video games every night so I could focus on my studies.

To be worth (something)

Definition: To have a value equal to a particular amount, or to be deserving of the time, effort, or money spent on it.

Example: The course was expensive, but it was worth every penny.

I wish I could (WISH + PAST SIMPLE)

Grammar explanation: We use wish + past simple to talk about a present situation that we would like to be different. It expresses regret, dissatisfaction, or a desire for something that is not true now.

• I wish I knew the answer. (= I don't know the answer.)

• She wishes she had more free time. (= She doesn't have much free time.)

When we say "I wish I could...", we use could to express a present inability that we would like to change.

Example: I wish I could play the piano as well as you.

To charge (someone)

Definition: To ask someone to pay a particular amount of money for a product or service.

Example: The mechanic charged me £50 to fix the problem.

To figure (something) out

Definition: To understand, solve, or discover something after thinking about it.

Example: It took me a while to figure out how the software worked.

How long have you been practising that?

Definition: A question used to ask about the duration of an activity that started in the past and is still continuing now.

Example: You play that piece so well! How long have you been practising that?

Frustrated

Definition: Feeling annoyed or upset because you cannot achieve something or because things are not going as planned.

Example: I felt frustrated when I couldn't understand the instructions.

Ought to

Definition: A modal verb meaning "should"; used to give advice or express what is the right thing to do.

Example: You ought to get some rest before the exam.

To come up with (something)

Definition: To think of or produce an idea, plan, or solution.

Example: She came up with a brilliant idea for the project.

Fairly

Definition: Quite, rather, or to a moderate degree.

Example: The test was fairly difficult, but I managed to pass it.

I was like

Definition: An informal expression used to introduce what someone said, thought, or felt.

Example: When he told me the news, I was like, "No way!"

If they taught me using a language I know, it would make sense (Second Conditional: IF + PAST SIMPLE, WOULD + BASE FORM)

Grammar explanation: We use the second conditional to talk about hypothetical, imaginary, or unlikely situations in the present or future and their possible results. The structure is:

If + past simple, would + base form

• If I had more time, I would learn another language.

• If she practised more, she would improve faster.

In the sentence "If they taught me using a language I know, it would make sense," the speaker is imagining a different teaching situation and describing the result.

Example: If they taught me using a language I know, it would make sense.

Ish

Definition: An informal suffix meaning "approximately" or "more or less."

Example: Let's meet at seven-ish.

Hold on

Definition: A phrase meaning "wait a moment" or "be patient."

Example: Hold on, I'll be ready in a minute.

Eventually

Definition: In the end, after a period of time or effort.

Example: After months of practice, she eventually learned the piece perfectly.

To encourage (someone) to do something

Definition: To give someone support, confidence, or motivation to do something.

Example: My teacher encouraged me to perform in front of an audience.

To make (something) up

Definition: To invent, create, or fabricate something, especially a story, excuse, or explanation. It can also mean to compose something such as a story or song.

Example: He made up an excuse for being late to class.

To get the better of (someone)

Definition: To defeat, outsmart, or gain an advantage over someone.

Example: Despite her experience, her younger opponent got the better of her.

Payam's students do shift to sheet music (Using DO for emphasis)

Grammar explanation: We can use do, does, or did before the main verb in affirmative sentences to add emphasis. This is often used to correct someone, contradict an assumption, or strongly stress that something is true.

• I do understand what you're saying.

• She does practise every day.

• They did enjoy the concert.

In "Payam's students do shift to sheet music," do emphasizes that the students really do make the transition to sheet music, perhaps contrary to what someone believes.

Example: Although some people think they don't, Payam's students do shift to sheet music.

To win (someone) over

Definition: To persuade someone to support, like, or agree with you.

Example: Her enthusiasm quickly won the audience over.

To set (someone/something) apart

Definition: To make someone or something different from others in a positive or noticeable way.

Example: His creativity sets him apart from other musicians.

A safe bet

Definition: A choice that is likely to succeed or give a good result with little risk.

Example: Choosing a well-known restaurant is usually a safe bet.

Couldn't resist

Definition: Was unable to stop oneself from doing or having something.

Example: The cake looked so good that I couldn't resist having a second piece.

To draw (someone)

Definition: To attract someone's interest, attention, or involvement.

Example: The teacher's enthusiasm drew many students to the course.

Rigour

Definition: Great care, precision, and thoroughness in carrying out a task or study.

Example: The research was praised for its academic rigour.

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1.       What is the Payam method and what does Payam say about it?

2.       Who is supporting Payam and why?

3.       What do the mum’s say?

4.       Would the Payam method work on you?

5.       What involvement have you had with learning to play music?

6.       Does Payam contradict himself when he says it’s all about having fun but then boasts of prizes that his students have won?

7.       What lessons were the most unbearable for you when you were younger?

8.       What is something you have learnt very well through enjoyment and curiosity?

9.       What is a skill you wish you had but don’t because you are daunted by the learning process?

10.     Did your parent force you to take certain classes when you were younger?

11.     What would you be good at teaching?

12.     Would you like to be a teacher?

13.     Can a teacher change the course of your life?

14.     What type of music do you like and do you go to gigs?

15.     Is there a traditional music culture in your native country?