Have you ever read Julia Donaldson’s book, The Gruffalo?
I have.
In fact, I read it almost every night for a year. Every once in a while I managed to sneak in Officer Buckle and Gloria or The Paper Bag Princess, and every once in a while Lexi’s eyes would light up with the excitement of a new book. But, after reading that new book, I would tuck her in and… have to read The Gruffalo… again. A mouse took a walk through the deep dark woods…
And So It Is With Piano Students
Piano students are no different. They love routines. They feel comfortable and successful in a predictable environment.
So don’t feel guilty or pressured to be the “super extraordinary, awesomely cool and fabulously fantastic” instructor armed with an arsenal of new teaching tools to unleash each and every lesson. It won’t work.
Your piano students want to be surprised. They want you to be extraordinary. But not every day. Most days they want you to be just you.
Each month we break from our routines and introduce our piano students to one new musical adventure. Sometimes it’s a new game, sometimes it’s a new way to practice, and sometimes it’s a new performance opportunity. If you’re looking to do the same, consider checking out The Adventures of Fearless Fortissimo, Shhhh… Your Piano Teacher Thinks This Is Practice or Happy Birthday Bach.
Alice says
I agree .. Thank you for writing this article. I spent a lot of months this year exploring and trying out new ideas, games. At some point, I was like .. wait .. I wanted to just teach the music and enjoy that. I do would like to employ your monthly activities as written on your Piano Hands…
Andrea says
Hi Alice – thanks for commenting! Having the monthly plan like we talk about in Piano Hands is a great way of finding a balance in your studio. Happy teaching 🙂
Kimberly Wright says
Thanks for this reminder. Sometimes I think I need to turn summersaults every week and that takes the joy out it.