Easy/Difficult vs Simple/Complex

Our approach to any task can be affected by how we define the challenge set before us. This is evident when we are attempting to learn a new piece of music. In my own teaching practice, students often say, “Oh that sounds too difficult”, or “How easy is it?”. It has been my aim this year to alter my students’ internal voicing when they are presented with new material to learn at the piano.

Easy/Difficult

Easy and difficult are the terms most commonly used when approaching any new task. If told something will be easy, we immediately approach the task with no mental restraints, no doubt in our ability to complete what has been presented to us. When the difficulty of a task is expressed, we immediately create scenarios involving the task outweighing our ability, and that perhaps the best thing to do is avoid trying altogether (“Oh, that sounds too difficult”).

Simple/Complex

The terms simple and complex offer a different mental approach to our tasks. A “simple” task can be defined as something that will require minimal time and minimal effort. A “complex” task can be defined as something that will require more time and more effort. While the terms “easy and difficult” present the task-bearer with a focus on their own ability, the terms “simple and complex” removes the focus of the task-bearers ability and places emphasis on the effort required.

Metaphor

Imagine a piece of string with one knot in it. You have the skills to remove the knot. The task is simple - it will require minimal time and minimal effort. Now imagine that same piece of string with 30 knots in it. You have all the skills to remove the knots but the task is more complex - it will require more time and more effort. I am keen to encourage my students that the same mentality should be considered when approaching a new piece of music and, perhaps, when they are faced with some of life’s bigger challenges.