GuideLines | Piano Teaching

LESSONS AND PRACTICE

Some Guidelines for Parents and Students

What do I teach in a piano lesson

I offer a variety of different musical genres that not only includes the traditional classical music teaching from beginners to post grade 8 but also jazz, pop and film music.

For each and every student, I believe in a flexible plan rather than a set route so that the student’s potential is maximised and interest is maintained to ensure continual progress and improvement.

As I am also a composer, I encourage students to develop their own improvisation skills which can lead to composing and song writing. I also teach music theory up to grade 5 standard (ABRSM )

Can I take a piano exam?

For many years I have entered students for exams with the ABRSM and Trinity College exams ( classical and pop) nearly all students achieving a pass , including passes with merit and distinction.

They are not obligatory and indeed I only encourage students to take an exam if it will be beneficial to them and the motivation largely comes from the student.

There is nothing like a deadline to encourage commitment, stimulate the student to practice and give the student an extra nudge to their learning.

Equally, preparing for an exam should not be at the expense of diminishing the “joy” of learning the piano and to lose sight of other music that can be learnt which is equally valuable and perhaps more fitting for the student’s individual musical journey.

How much practice should I do?

There is no exact answer to this but over my many years of teaching, I have observed the following aspects are essential.

You get as good at something as the time you give to it

Unfortunately there are no short cuts. If I knew a way to shorten practice time and achieve the same progress I would be richer than Bill Gates!

You maintain regular practice

Daily practice of minimum 15- 20 minutes, with one day off per a week being ideal. The more advanced you become the more practice time is required.

You plan what and how to practice

How to practice effectively and mindfully is as important as how long. I put much emphasis on this in the course of the lesson.

I encourage the use of a practice log for the week and I write extensive notes to aid the practice sessions.

Practice is a time of “accomplishing and achieving” and not to be a “chore”. I have a whole range of tips to keep the motivation going especially as it is normal to have down periods.

In short you learn to “practice at practicing”.

Parents who supervise and encourage their child to practice is of huge benefit for their development. These students do progress much further than a student who is left to their own devices.

I have other activities in the week and I have regular homework.

How do I maintain regular practice?

Learning an instrument does require devotion and it can be greedy of your time.

It is the joy and interest that maintains and motivates practice and not natural aptitude and/or talent.

I have certainly noticed that students who are less burdened with extra curricular activities do much better as they have time and energy to absorb and enjoy their instrument.

I recommend parents and students to be honest and ask “Can I commit to five 15 - 20 minute practice sessions per a week?”

If the answer is “No” you may find you are better off with a teacher who is more relaxed about regular practice, and especially if you wish to maintain the other extra curricular activities.

With my guidance and with committed students, I have developed and nurtured students from beginners to grade 8 and beyond.

I have hit a brick wall and I can’t find the will to practice.

This is a normal process that happens to everyone even for professional musicians!

If there are difficulties for the student to maintain regular practice for whatever reason, it is best to look at this early on, to ensure there are no underlying reasons that are putting the student off wanting to learn and practice.

To address this, I plan a review period of about 4 weeks to include possibilities of:

Does the student have too many other commitments and the student is feeling pressured

The student might be unsure of my teaching methods.

A plateau has been reached and the feeling of no improvement is difficult to work through.

If this happens I will use a number of methods which could include :

A change of music that the student is learning.

A temporary break.

A change of teacher.

Above all, it is imperative that the student’s interest in music and playing the piano is maintained throughout.

I am only part of their musical journey. I see my role as a catalyst when it comes to the magic and beauty of music and piano playing.

What can I expect of my piano teacher?

To give you the best of my attention and focus throughout the lesson.

To be non judgemental, objective and open to the student's ideas.

To focus on the goals the student wishes to achieve.

To help and facilitate on how to practice effectively to gain maximum development and progress .

To observe and understand the student especially when they are feeling difficulties with aspects of learning the piano and music.

Above all to encourage fun and inspire interest.

Role of the student

To arrive punctually for lessons with all their books and notebooks to maintain lesson continuity.

To commit to the practice that is expected of them and to keep a diary of their achievements.

To follow through the work/practice that is given to them

To apply as much focus as they can to maximise the lessons. ( lessons after physical exercise are not recommended ! )

To be open to ideas and working practices and to be honest if there have been difficulties with application of the methods involved.

This includes being truthful with the amount of practice time accomplished

throughout the week!

LESSONS AND PRACTICE

Some Guidelines for Parents and Students

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