While there are many essentials to consider during the first year of lessons, teachers must work on nurturing artistry in their students from the very beginning stages of their musical development. Artistry includes elements of musicality, such as expressive shaping of melodic lines, playing with effective dynamic contrasts and shaping, and the ability to balance melodies and accompaniment patterns sensitively. Artistry can also include elements of sound production, such as how sound is produced at the piano, and what kinds of sounds, tone colours, and touches are possible.
