Steps On How To Motivate Music Students

Submitted by: Greish Scott

Not all beginning music students have the same level of motivation toward learning the curriculum. People change, and so their enthusiasm can diminish through time.

A lot of students are going on and off their music lessons, for the purpose of learning their favorite instrument, but there are only few who sincerely pursue their mastery of music in search of what they called: self-fulfillment.

Some students, I know, are doing great on their first few lessons, but they unexpectedly lose the desire to practice once dismantled by rough changes in their personal perspectives and goals. Nevertheless, this is also true even among experienced singers; singers would feel comfortable singing along the radio than the usual and boring voice drills.

Encouraging your students to become motivated can be the most challenging job of a music teacher. This may, of course, idealistic, but if you keep your patience and your dedication in helping your students, you can do better. Heed from these steps on how you can motivate your students in learning music, and some classroom motivation techniques.

More than a tracking device

Most teachers require their students to monitor and keep a record of their practice time. Sometimes, a technique like this may look odd, because it is embarrassing for a student to tell a teacher, for instance, that he or she spent lesser time than what had been expected. So let your student keep his or her own record, regardless if they re honest or not, and let them judge what areas or lessons they have missed. This will also show trust and appreciation to your students.

Parents can cooperate too. It would be better if parents make the lessons exciting by making charts and stickers for each ten-minute practice. Children will love this idea, but adults would find it childish and they may appreciate more a gadget such as a digital timer or a unique notebook for time keeping.

Punishment won t work

Some teachers see punishment as an effective method of motivation; but, unfortunately, this is an old prophecy. Yelling or punishing students to keep their ears keen to the subject matter won t work, and, worse, it will create gap between the teacher and the student.

Keeping your students constrained to punishment makes it even harder for them to concentrate on the lessons and excel in their practice. Patience is a virtue. This rings true especially if you are teaching children and rowdy adults. No matter how stubborn or naughty the students are, you should keep your patience to help them become more motivated and to make yourself respectful in the eyes of the students and their parents as well.

Pay Attention to their needs

Teaching is always a humble job. As a teacher, you disassociate yourself, your needs, and your level to connect with your students. A good teacher sacrifices herself or himself for the betterment of the students.

What makes an efficient teacher is not measured on your professional level, but on how you relate well with your students. You have to pay attention to your student s needs, and, aside from music, know what are their likes or dislikes to help you understand your students. If your student loses confidence or enthusiasm, try to talk and help him or her from dealing these obstacles.

About the Author: Greish Scott is a music teacher in DFW, Texas. Be a piano teacher and earn up to $110/hour just like me! Visit our website,

teachpiano.info

, for more information.

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