How To Motivate Students To Practice Music
One of the biggest challenges that music teachers face is motivating students to practice piano. While students may be genuinely interested in the instrument, it is easy for them to get distracted and skip practice. As parents and teachers, collaboratively, we need to find ways how to motivate students to practice music and/or piano lessons.
The lack of practice will hinder their skills and even lead them to quit. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to motivate your students to practice. If you are struggling with motivation as well, you can also use these methods to improve your practice as a teacher.
Let Them Play What They Want
One of the reasons students do not practice as much is that they do not enjoy playing songs required of them. As a teacher, you decide on the curriculum and music that you want your students to practice.
However, this music may not be the most enjoyable piece to your students, especially if they are young. One way to inspire practice is to let your students pick out what they would like to play. Often, your students have specific pieces they want to learn. Even if they do not play it correctly the first few times, it is still practice, and they will ultimately benefit from it.
Be More Flexible As a Teacher
When students look for piano teachers, they want flexibility to be one of their qualities – flexibility in teaching and assigning tasks. As a teacher, strive to be flexible especially with extra-curricular assignments.
Many teachers administer reading activities, which tends to be boring to younger students. Because of this, they may not practice as much. Consider giving your students more than one activity to do for practice. You could give them listening and oral practice. The blend of activities will break up the monotony and encourage students to practice more.
Embrace Technology
Technology has found ways to improve everyday life, including music. There are many apps and software that help students learn an instrument and read music better. As a musical educator, you should embrace and encourage your students to use these pieces.
A great example is the app known as Piano Maestro. It is an app where students can learn to read and play music. It’s built like a game, making it particularly favorable for younger students. In addition, it may be the perfect way to motivate teenage students to practice more.
Piano Lessons for All Ages
Because we teach a breakthrough piano method called Simply Music, you will find that you or your kids will want to practice more. You will be playing and perfecting many songs immediately from your very first lessons. We welcome students of all ages. Attend a Free Introductory Session and start your musical journey at San Jose Piano Lessons.
