One of the most difficult issues we face as piano teachers is keeping students motivated and enthusiastic about playing the piano over many years. Some years are definitely better than others! But, generally, the middle school and high school years are harder times for students as they begin facing growing pains and homework overload. Their time becomes less free and playing the piano often gets lost in the shuffle.
One thing that I feel has really helped me with motivating my students as they grow, is that I work hard at developing a community within my studio from they time they begin lessons. My students take both private and group lessons weekly and in order to schedule all of this, they often end up spending an extra half hour or hour in my waiting room. The students spending a little free time together, even just in the waiting room, helps them get to know each other and they look forward to seeing each other from week to week.
The group lesson time together each week gives us extra time for learning, but also for having fun together. Last week, for example, in one of my classes we had a tea party, which they had asked me for the week before when they were interested in the tea I was drinking. They all arrived for the group lesson excited about having tea and I played Bach and Mozart for them while they drank their tea.
Having friends in an activity is a huge pupil saver when middle school and high school hard times come into play. If the lessons in my studio are giving the students music as well as life lessons, good friends, and good times, students will often value this time and will choose to stick with this activity, regardless of other interfering issues.
Comments