When I first started teaching piano lessons I remember being so worried about what I would do if I “finished” everything I had planned and there was still time left in the lesson. What if the lesson had naturally ended…. but the clock told me otherwise?
While for many teachers the idea of having any time left at all in a lesson would seem like a luxury rather than a problem, for young beginning students sometimes they’ve simply reached the end of their focus and it’s time to change it up before the lesson is over.
Glance at the Clock and Then Choose An Activity
The next time you’re needing to fill just a few final moments, pick one of the following activities.
1. Remember when? My kids love to play this game. I choose an old piece of theirs and we reminisce about how difficult it used to be for them. They play it for me as a review and then they get to put a “Remember When?” sticker (head to vistaprint to make your own!) on the top of their page to show they’ve re-visited this piece. This is a great way to keep that old repertoire under their fingers. It’s more fun if you can remember specifics like “Remember when that tied note gave you so much trouble… but we drew that stick there to help you remember to “stick it out” on that note?” etc. Kids will surprise you with their recall of small details!
2. Simon Says This is a quick and easy way to review any concepts you learned during the lesson. “Simon says play me a fifth with your left hand. Simon says play me an F#. Simon says play me a C Major chord. Play me a D.”… if you haven’t said “Simon says” at the beginning of the sentence and they still follow your directions (and play that D!) then point for the teacher! Lots of giggles with this one if you make a hugely exaggerated face when they forget to listen carefully!
3. Name That Tune Have your student sit with their back facing you. You play any part of any of their previously completed pieces. They must 1) name the piece, 2) name the key (or hand position) and 3) play the same part you just played once they turn back around. This is great for their ears and their memory too! Piano kids should definitely be able recognize their pieces by ear… but some don’t! Make this more challenging by playing their piece in a minor key (or major key if it was originally minor) and seeing if they can still figure it out.
4. Grab a Theory Game – our newest resource “Pssst….Your Piano Teacher Thinks This is Theory” is super convenient to have on hand in these moments. Pick an activity that relates to what you learned during the lesson and head into a ridiculously fun theory game or activity that will not only make that concept truly “stick”… but you can bet they’ll be begging you for another one next week! Begging for theory… it’s a miracle!
5. Ear Training Fun – these final minutes are also a great opportunity to break out some quick ear training exercises while your student changes seats with you. Play major, minor, dominant and diminished chords and teach your student to name them by ear. Play short bits of rhythm and have your student clap it back. Play short bits of melody and have your student play it back after telling them the starting note. Name intervals, name cadences… the list of possibilities is huge! It’s a relaxing (yet important!) way to finish a lesson.
So the next time the clock tells you that you need one more activity, try one of the ones above. Not only will they provide some variety in your lessons, but it will also help your piano students to be well-rounded pianists.
Ann Daciuk says
Thanks for turning these closers into games!
Kimberly Wright says
There seems to be no end to your creativity! Thank you so much! I have been able to inspire another young, up and coming piano teacher with your site.
Andrea says
Yay! Love to hear that Kimberly 🙂
Amber says
I’ve seen your post about Simon says before. I really like that one. The kids like it too! Thanks for sharing your great ideas.
Milla Gotlib says
I am always looking forward to your inspiring posts! Thanks for this one. I also use my newly acquired iPad if I have these few extra minutes.
Andrea says
Yes, the iPad is really a wonderful tool. Did you get a chance to check out our app reviews during International Week of the Piano Geek last spring? If not, the link is here http://pianogeekweek.com/bring-your-appetite-piano-teaching-resource-post/
Shirley Gustine says
What a wonderfully fun idea! How about Bach Says or Beethoven Says or whatever is musically relevant to the student’s level?
karen bloch says
I like your ideas! Here is one that my kids love: I just call it “copycat” This is a bit like the old Simon toy- if you know what that is.
I play 2 or 3 notes- student plays them back (they can look at the keys during this game) I play the same notes and add 2 or 3 more- student plays back entire thing so far–I try to make the rhythm and melody fit the type of music I teach to the student- mostly tonal. i play same adding more, and so on. They love when I count how many notes they were able to remember until it becomes too long. They try to beat their own record at the next lesson- (or beat their sister’s record!!!) I then give them a turn to create the same for me. Those are some very interesting 12 tone pieces!!!!
Jennifer Brook says
It’s a good idea to do something short and simple so that the student leaves the lesson feeling more relaxed and with a smile on their face. I hadn’t thought of the name that tune idea.
Trevor says
Very true Jennifer – it’s like a “debriefing” before they go – something that makes them feel good and successful and keeps them wanting more next week! 🙂 Thanks for reading!