How to Keep Students Interested in Music Classes
“What do you do for a living?”
“I teach piano lessons.”
“I love music! I took keyboard lessons as a kid, but I didn’t keep up with it.”
Have you ever had that conversation? Nearly all children have a chance to take music classes either in or after school. But how many people quit after only a year or two? By some estimates, more than 50 percent. It’s a shame.
As a teacher, you may find it baffling when students give up on music. Music is almost universally loved, yet musical literacy isn’t widespread. Why do students quit? How can you keep your students interested in music classes?
Students get discouraged in a variety of ways. Here are some commonly cited reasons for quitting and what you can do to combat them:
‘Learning Music Isn’t Important’
Parents often see music as an extracurricular activity rather than a core subject as important as math or reading. If a child’s parent isn’t musically inclined, it may be difficult to convince them of the inherent value in playing a musical instrument. Without an adult’s encouragement, it’s the rare child that can become a musician.
The Harmony Road Course asks parents to attend and learn with their children. If you teach with our curriculum, you’ll learn the benefit of having a mom or dad fully invested in a child’s musical learning. Parents and children become partners in class and during at-home activities.
‘I’m Not Talented’
Natural ability is a rare gift, but most people can become accomplished musicians with lessons, practice and enthusiasm. Mastering a musical instrument is challenging. It takes time and perseverance. As a music teacher, part of your job is to encourage.
Students get discouraged if they don’t make progress. To succeed as a teacher, you’ll need the right tools. Our proven curriculum can help you improve your students’ experiences. Plus, when you join us, we offer training and support. With our lesson plans, your students have a path to confidence and success.
‘I Don’t Like Practicing’
When students learn by rote, practicing can be a bore. If you teach the building blocks of musicianship, practice is a chance to experiment, be creative and master an instrument.
The Harmony Road Curriculum trains a student’s ear and improvisation muscles. Our method uses solfege singing to help students to confirm patterning – melodic and harmonic. With our age-appropriate lesson plans, no matter what a student’s level, they’ll enjoy a repertoire that’s fun and educational.
‘Private Lessons Are Expensive’
Fees for individual classes can get expensive. For the parents of several children, these types of classes may not be affordable. You can help your students by offering group classes.
Group courses teach students to take turns, listen, share and play in an ensemble. As a teacher, group lessons help you make the most of your teaching time and earning potential.
Your greatest strengths as a teacher are your enthusiasm and ability to provide your students with a means to mastery. Request an information kit and learn how to start teaching the Harmony Road Music Course.