CBS News — Can piano lessons be enjoyable? In a short Sunday segment on 60 Minutes, teacher Payam Khastkhodaei demonstrates what he calls the “Payam Method,” a new approach that has students looking forward to their piano lessons instead of dreading them. The report highlights how Khastkhodaei challenges the notion that piano must always be strict and stressful. “Piano is not supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to be strict. It’s supposed to be stressful,” he says — and then asks, why must it be that way? His students don’t just learn piano; they love it.
The clip (about 32 seconds) shows kids playing and enjoying lessons under Khastkhodaei’s instruction, with the reporter noting that most children resent traditional lessons but respond differently to his method. A short excerpt from the segment’s transcript:
[PIANO PLAYING]
REPORTER: It’s a fairly safe bet that most kids taking piano lessons don’t like them. Now, along comes a piano teacher named Payam Khastkhodaei.
PAYAM KHASTKHODAEI: Piano is not supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to be strict. It’s supposed to be stressful. And we’re like, why? Our students don’t just learn piano, they love piano.
[PIANO PLAYING]
The full video and additional reporting appear on 60 Minutes and are available through CBS News video channels. The segment spotlights how rethinking teaching style — focusing on engagement and enjoyment — can transform student motivation and results.