We’ve all had those students who make us cringe; the kids who won’t practice, won’t sit still or won’t listen! We shudder as their lesson time approaches and hope that for once they might be a “no-show”. But, as always, they come. And that might just be a good thing!
If you’ve read our teaching guide, or frequent our blog, you already know that we rarely (and only in extreme circumstances) turn away a piano student. Music is too valuable to not give every child a fair shot. Because of this, from time to time, our piano teachers have students that frustrate them to no end. But as they say, what doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger.
Teaching challenging piano students can be difficult, but it forces you to bring out your arsenal of entertaining piano activities. As a piano teacher teaching a difficult piano student you are forced to be inventive and creative; constantly adapting your teaching to suit the needs of your difficult student. And by doing this, you are inevitably making yourself a better piano teacher.
Challenging piano students wear their emotions on their sleeve. You know exactly what they are thinking and how they are feeling. But remember, your really quiet students may be feeling similar frustrations but are simply too shy and polite to tell you so.
If you want to be a great teacher, teach every student like they are a pain in the a#$. It will bring your piano studio great success!