Piano lessons have changed over the years. I feel qualified to say this as I myself was for many years a piano student before being asked to become a music teachers assistant, and eventually a piano teacher.
I have learned so much teaching piano. I learned more about the music I was teaching, and learned about how students felt about the music they played. What was their place of interest. Finding music that is inspiring is very important, as well as just having fun playing piano. I tell my students that although practice can be hard “work”, the goal is to “play” piano. I know that I have had times as a student where it became more work than play, and it was the music itself that kept me coming back to my instrument.
No matter what your aspirations as a student are, if you remember to be playful even in the midst of a “serious” piece, your music will be filled with your own joy. I believe that is the point. Enjoy your music!
