How do you keep music students motivated and moving forward in their musical growth? How do you balance that with the many other activities which compete for the students’ time and attention?
As your teacher, I’m not sure I can give you a definitive answer, but I can tell you what has worked for my most successful students.
Lea B. has just completed her freshmen year at Wayne State College majoring in Music Business, with piano as her primary instrument. Throughout high school, Lea had a number of other interests she was involved in which included sports and a part-time job. She always made music an equal priority though! This included her involvement with the Waverly High School Band, and her individual piano lessons with me. She always planned on participating in District Festival and State Festival; she scheduled her time accordingly. She also made sure to be prepared for her school’s District Contest. Lea in particular was excellent at planning out what repertoire she wanted to learn and allowing enough time ahead to learn it before whatever event she was performing. During the summer months, she knew she would be busy, but also knew that she wouldn’t be as busy as she was during the school year, so she fit in as many lessons as her family schedule would allow. So, while she had a few breaks throughout the year, she continued to progress continually.
Hannah F. just completed her freshmen year at
Morgan B. is graduating from high school this year. Like Hannah and Lea, she has participated in sports, and worked a part-time job. Like Hannah and Lea, she has always participated in Festivals, both District and State without question. I recently asked her what her secret to success in piano is. She replied that she made time for piano every day. During her senior year, she had a free period (and open campus) next to her lunch hour, so she would go home for lunch and then practice for 20-30 minutes. That doesn’t seem like a lot of time for an advancing student, but being consistent like that really adds up. (And it gets you pretty high up for the practicing contest!!!) She has also taken regular summer lessons for eight or more years. She also found that playing duets lessened her performance anxiety at Festivals and Recitals, and in many ways was more fun!
So, what is my informal conclusion? Students who “finish well” in their piano studies with me:
- Participate in Festivals etc. on a regular basis
- Take some summer lessons
- Plan their schedules to make home practice a daily priority
- Play duets or trios
I think that the participation in Festivals, Extravaganzas, and other opportunities gives students goals to work towards. It gives them a reason to practice, and new levels to be attained. Performances such as studio recitals are another incentive to prepare music well. Summer lessons keep you sharp!
Stay tuned, I’m preparing to offer students a couple of additional Festival opportunities in the year to come, one with National Federation of Music Clubs, one Studio Festival, and possibly involvement with the Piano Guild.
Debra
