Helping Students Build Confidence through their “Working Genius”

-Stathia Orwig

I recently listened to a podcast recently from The Working Genius called The Key to Confidence, and it immediately made me think about our students at Music SO Simple. At one point mid-episode, the hosts talked about how important it is for children to understand their own “genius” — the way they naturally think, create, and contribute — and how using that awareness can build real confidence.

That idea resonated deeply with me, because confidence is one of the greatest gifts we can give our students through music.

In the Working Genius model, everyone has areas where they naturally thrive — where their energy and creativity flow easily — and other areas that feel more draining. For children, discovering this early helps them see that they don’t have to be great at everything to be successful. They simply need to understand their strengths and how to use them. This is very true for adults and teachers too!

In music lessons, this plays out every single day. Some students love to analyze — they’re the ones who light up when learning music theory or reading new rhythms. Others are more creative or intuitive, thriving when improvising or composing. Some feel most confident performing and sharing their music with others.

When teachers understand each student’s natural “genius,” they can teach in a way that builds confidence instead of frustration. A student who knows how they learn best feels proud of their progress — and that confidence spills over into every area of their life.

At Music SO Simple, we believe confidence grows from both encouragement and understanding. Our teachers intentionally connect with each student to find out what makes them tick — how they think, learn, and respond to challenge. When we teach to their strengths and gently stretch their weaknesses, learning becomes joyful, not stressful.

I believe that’s why our lessons aren’t one-size-fits-all. Whether a student is analytical, imaginative, disciplined, or expressive, we want them to feel capable, valued, and excited about their musical journey.

When students learn to recognize their own strengths — their “working genius” — they gain something much bigger than musical skills. They learn that they can succeed by being themselves. And that confidence will carry them far beyond their lessons.

The crazy thing? This podcast was all about confidence in the workplace — but it’s amazing how those same ideas apply to our students and young people. As teachers, we have the opportunity to use these lessons to inspire confidence in every child we teach.