“…we each have more potential than we might ever presume to guess.”
Daniel Coyle, The Talent Code, p. 73
“The brain is phenomenally plastic. We construct ourselves through behavior. As Coyle observes, it's not
who you are, it's what you do.”
David Brooks, New York Times
Dear Colleague,
I hope you have enjoyed reading Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code. This book transformed my
understanding of, and approach to, teaching and learning. Incorporating Coyle's core principles into my
teaching and private instruction has consistently resulted in improved student achievement in the
classroom and in the concert hall.
Our conversation next week will explore the specific implications of Coyle's theory and research for
improving music-related learning, motivation, and proficiency. As you prepare for our collective
discussion, please consider the following questions:
1. According to Coyle's theory of the neurophysiology of learning, what happens in the brain when
learning occurs? What are the implications of Coyle's theory for talent development?
2. Coyle's 'Talent Code' consists of three core principles: Deep Practice, Ignition and Expert Coaching.
What is deep practice? How does one determine whether their practicing is 'deep' or ineffective?
3. What is ignition? How does ignition activate potentials in a given skill area? What is the relationship of
the student's vision of their own future to their degree of motivation? What kind of language is most
effective in igniting motivation?
4. What are some of the characteristics of expert coaches? What is the core difference, according to
Coyle, between 'expert' and average coaching?
5. What are the specific implications of Coyle's theory and research for developing musical talent? Does
your experience confirm Coyle's theory and research?
6. What are the specific implications of Coyle's theory and research for developing the 'extra-musical'
skills that our students will need after graduation -- communication, learning-to-learn, self-motivation,
setting priorities, networking, goal-setting, career design, and others?
7. How specifically might incorporating the three core principles of the Talent Code: ignition, deep
practice, and expert coaching -- impact your pedagogical approach?
In addition to the book, Coyle's website, www.thetalentcode.com, contains a wealth of supplemental
materials, including articles and videos, exploring the practical implications of his research. Also, you can
find a great book summary and review here: http://www.nehrlich.com/blog/2010/01/24/the-talent-codeby-daniel-coyle/
I look forward to a stimulating and productive conversation.
Regards,
Harry Pickens