A few weeks ago we did a piano teacher poll to determine which age group piano teachers prefer to teach. It was a bit of a surprise to learn that teaching piano to teenagers finished dead last.
Now I am lucky enough to have young children of my own who still think I am superman. I am eons away from a house full of hormones. But I did spend years teaching teenagers in the public school system before launching TeachPianoToday.com, and what I learned is invaluable for piano teachers with teenage students.
Teaching Piano To Teenagers – Things to Consider
1. The Teenage Scientist
Expect your teenage piano students to become studious scientists, experimenting with different interests, appearances, and ideals. They’re trying to figure out their place in the world, so don’t be shocked if the sweet little girl in the princess dress starts showing up for piano lessons in full “goth” garb one week and shocking pink hair the next.
And don’t be surprised if requests for sonatas begin to be replaced by “ska”. Don’t discredit any new musical tastes (unless of course, the music is crossing moral boundaries)… instead, embrace them! Teenage piano students are trying to figure out what they like and what they don’t. They won’t want to play “ska” forever… I promise.
2. Rebel With a Cause
Don’t be surprised if your diligent piano student begins to skip a practice or two or suddenly starts to pull away from you emotionally. As mentioned, teenagers are trying to form their own identities. Give them some leeway… but not too much! You still need to set reasonable expectations for your teenage piano students and hold them accountable. Even if they moan and groan about it, deep down you are showing them you really care by not giving up on them.
3. Appearance Can Be Everything
Expect your teenage piano students to want to take a hiatus from piano recitals… especially if you operate a young piano studio. The last thing a teenager wants is to be seen playing in a recital where the most popular piece on the program is Twinkle Little Star. If this is the case with some of your teens, provide performance opportunities that have a “cool factor” about them.
4. Friends, Friends, and More Friends
It’s all about the friends! Teenagers associate very strongly with their peer groups. Help your teenage piano students connect with one another. Hold teenager-only piano recitals, master classes, and other gatherings that create friendships and bonds. If your teenage piano students feel a connection with other teenage piano students they will be more likely to “stick it out” through these tough years.
5. And finally… think like a parent,
Teenagers can be frustrating. But great parents don’t stop parenting. Teenage piano students can be frustrating. But great piano teachers don’t stop teaching 🙂
Kathryn Teale says
I just discovered your website and I am so very impressed! I’ve just begun teaching group piano classes (at varying levels, as well as different levels in each class – I’ve inherited quite the disorganization) for a non-profit. Anyway, I have a group of teenage, intermediate kids who are playing fairly well, some better than others, but they do NOT know any theory and kind of look at me like I am crazy when I am trying to teach – like they are sooo bored. I have so many creative ideas for my young students, but this age group is a bit of a reach for me. I was wondering if there was a resource on your website for group classes. I also think that incorporating composition may be the way to get these kids motivated to learn!
MaryLou says
I have a teenage student who has introduced me to the music of “video games”. She has purchased several books at different levels of video game music. Some of the music is actually quite challenging rhythmically . She loves it and I love it….. and I love her enthusiasm. I am spreading the word out to other students.
Sandra says
I would be interested of know where to purchase the video game music and what it is called.
Emily says
I was surprised how much I love teaching teenagers! The students I had were incredibly motivated, picked up skills quickly, and often got excited to pick their own songs or learn popular pieces. It is so nice to have students who want to be there and can sit still and follow directions. 🙂
Fay says
I have six students, and I charge no fees in a very small town. Since I had not taught since 2001, I felt very unsure of myself-but stepped outside my self-induced boundaries as I realized the needs and opportunities for the children. As your resources increase, so do my confidence and enthusiasm. The ideas for teens in piano instruction are great, and can make the difference in someone giving piano up completely, or staying because they have a teacher that “gets them”.
You’ve been a “God send” for me. Thank you and God bless you!
Pauline says
My 16 year old grandson wanted ME to teach him piano – perhaps because I could be flexible with his time. I was amazed by his progress (a friend recommended a beginner book for adults). After finding your site, I realized he’s kind of a “Play By Ear Paul”. He is gifted with guitar, plays drums, baritone horn and trombone. But can’t really read music. He loves coming and is “playing” pieces but my challenge is to how to make theory and note reading fun.
Mary Fisher says
My 16 year old grandson just asked me to help him learn to play piano. Any advice? I’ve taught piano informally to younger kids and am a retired teacher with thirty years of experience in academic subjects. Piano has been a life-long hobby.
Natalie says
To teach teenagers is one thing, but to be a teenager yourself trying to teach other teenagers is quite a different story, how do I keep the interest level up and teach them without making them feel uncomfortable that someone of their age group is teaching them?
Caro says
Do you have the full results of this poll listed somewhere on your website? I would be interested in looking at all of the results.
Thanks 🙂