Today’s Question: What are some ways to get adult piano students playing within the community or some ideas on holding events for adult students (not calling them “recitals”)?
Ahhh, adult piano students…
You mention a recital and the “deer in the headlights” look is almost immediate! However, as we all know, having a performance outlet and setting performance goals are great motivators for students. How to take the fear out of performing for your adult piano students is not something to be taken lightly; force them into something they are not comfortable with, and you risk losing them completely… but neglect this important aspect of learning to play the piano, and you risk having them drift aimlessly through their repertoire without a goal in sight.
Try these suggestions for non-threatening ways of bringing your adult piano students out of their shell.
1) Use video as your secret weapon. The social media world is a valuable tool for today’s piano teachers. Pick a date that your adult piano students will need to have their piece perfected by. Set up a video camera on a tripod. It’s their choice if they want their face included or simply their hands. Do several “takes” of their performance until they are happy with the end product. Post it on your studio’s web-page or Facebook page and encourage comments and “likes”. This is a great way to ease into sharing their music publicly.
2) Host an “Adults Only” wine and cheese evening in your piano studio. Invite no more than 4 students (along with a moral-support/designated driving guest each!) to perform 3 pieces each. Everyone brings a bottle of wine to share. You supply cheese and crackers. Place students’ names into a hat – one piece of paper for each piano piece they have ready to perform. After an initial “warm up” glass of wine and a quick social gathering, have one of your adult piano students pick a name from the hat. That person performs first (no arguing about who has to go next!). Encourage an atmosphere of “background music” where others continue to mingle. This is such a valuable way for adult piano students to not feel “put on the spot” but also for them to connect with other adults in your studio and for them to provide support and encouragement for each other. I keep the same grouping of adults each time, as friendships develop and these events quickly become something they look forward to.
3) Give your adult piano students opportunities to accompany sing-alongs rather than be the sole performer. Contact your local extended care facilities and arrange a “golden oldies” evening. Have your adult students brush up on a few well-known songs from the 40’s and 50’s and print the lyrics into a small booklet. Hand out the booklet to the residents and encourage a sing-along atmosphere while your student accompanies.
If you’re creative enough to take the “yikes” out of performing, and if you’re persuasive enough to get your adult piano students out performing that first difficult time, then you’re setting the stage for a successful future in lessons for your adult students.
Will you be trying one of these ideas? Do you have ideas of your own? What’s worked for you? Share in the comments below.
And Don’t Forget…
… to check out our guide Piano Hands Shouldn’t Flip Burgers. The hundreds of piano teaching strategies contained with our 113 page guide have helped piano teachers all over the globe. Click below to learn more.
Jeannie says
Most of my adults 30 to 50 are vocal students. My adult piano students are 60+. I use a soundtrack for background and the student uses written music. They feel very comfortable playing in front of people because if they get ‘lost’ or ‘mess up’ the soundtrack carries them. Families love it because even if Mom has arthrtis, she can still play without being embarrassed that she is only using one hand. I use a Korg SP-300 for these lessons. Works great!
Trevor says
Hi Jeannie,
I love the idea of playing along with a background track – this is such a great way to take the “yikes” out of performing. I’m going to use this one!! 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
Janet says
I can’t wait to try Idea #1, Video record the student and post on facebook. I have 3 students that are 50+ , who are terrified to play in front of anyone. I think this will work!
Thank you! Great idea!
Trevor says
Hi Janet,
Let us know how it goes! With the easy movie editing programs now a days you can make student videos look really professional and fun. I could spend hours in iMovie playing around. Teens especially love this idea as their world seems to be online. Great advertising for your studio too!
Jessica says
I’ve done something similar to #2 before. One of the music teachers in my community hosts 2 adult recitals per year at her home. She has a lovely grand piano in her house, and we all contribute goodies to share. Students simply play when they feel comfortable, and there’s lots of mingling going on throughout the night! We usually have a great time, and end up laughing hysterically. The students range from beginner to sometimes a Gr. 5 or 6 RCM level and in age from mid-twenties to 70’s, but the emphasis is on having fun, relaxing, and just enjoying music. Now many of the students who used to be shy about playing in front of people look forward to these evenings!
Trevor says
Hi Jessica,
This sounds lovely – I’m sure your students really appreciate this opporutnity you’ve created for them! Happy teaching 🙂
Rebecca Brown says
I had been tossing around the idea of #2 for the past couple of years, and had finally decided to do it this year. We are only allowing adults who are actually taking lessons (and their instructor)to attend, though. That way, every single person in the room has been in the position of “the first public performance”.
I love idea #1, too, though. I might have to use that. Perhaps we won’t limit it to adults, though.
Trevor says
Hi Rebecca,
Having everyone who attends be a performer is a great idea as I’m sure they would be even more relaxed. We’d do that too if our adult students weren’t so fond of the wine portion of the evening! 🙂 Maybe I’ll host a cookies and milk night and they can leave their guests at home. LOL!