Teaching at the Vienna Music Institute - pianist and VMI lecturer Simon Raab

photo: © David Furrer

Can you tell us about your teaching role at the Vienna Music Institute -

what subjects or areas do you focus on?

I mainly teach piano at the VMI, and I also work with one composition student.

In addition, I have the pleasure of leading an ensemble.

With your background in both concert performance and pedagogy, how do you balance

artistic excellence with educational goals in the classroom?

I’ve discovered that performing and teaching complement each other beautifully. For me, teaching is an extension of my own artistic practice. Sometimes I revisit the basics of music, how to approach simple exercises (which I like the most) or I experiment with musical material (actually,I like that even more, haha). Playing with material is, for me, the starting point of composing or arranging tunes. That’s one of the essential elements of jazz and improvised music.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at VMI?

What I enjoy most is when I can ignite curiosity in my students and encourage them to explore their own musical language. Curiosity, I believe, is one of the most important qualities in life in general.Music and art have the unique ability to reflect life itself.

How do you approach working with students who come from very different musical

backgrounds and levels?

I really appreciate that VMI brings together such a broad spectrum of students with diverse musical approaches. Of course, there are aspects of the curriculum that are essential to address, but I try not to focus too much on “style.” Instead, I emphasize the forces that hold music together and make someone a good storyteller. If a student’s curiosity is alive, it becomes easy to build bridges between different musical styles and backgrounds.

In your opinion, what are the most important skills a young musician should develop today?

Curiosity is definitely the key. If you feel a genuine urge to understand how things in music work together, you will find your way. There has never been a time when it was so easy to access all kinds of music instantly through streaming platforms, for example. There’s an unbelievable amount of music out there, and that makes it harder to find one’s own voice. I think it’s a trap to believe that quality can be achieved quickly. As Fred Hersch says: Good things happen slowly. So, curiosity and patience are essential qualities, I would say.

Do your experiences as a performer influence the way you teach – and if so, how?

Absolutely. As I mentioned, the way I teach is closely connected to the way I practice sometimes chaotic, I admit trying to fit the whole universe of music into one session, haha. My experience is that only performance truly reveals whether a tune or a musical idea has been fully internalized. When I face difficulties or find myself unable to express something on stage, I know exactly what I need to work on in my next practice session. Reaching these goals is closely tied to patience, curiosity, and the willingness to give things time to grow steadily and calmly.

How do you help students develop their own musical identity and confidence?

Musical knowledge tunes, theory and personal taste are key ingredients for developing a unique identity. I try to be as supportive as possible, without imposing my own artistic path. Finding one’s identity should always remain a deeply personal process.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who want to pursue both performance andteaching in their careers?

There’s no single piece of advice that fits all. Curiosity and patience are fundamental.

But if I had to name one more, it would be honesty - honesty toward your work, your artistry, and yourself. Ask yourself regularly: Am I doing this for the sake of art, or for my own ego and comfort zone? Enjoy the journey.