This post may contain affiliate links. As a Sheet Music Plus and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I make a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase something from an affiliate link.
As piano teachers, our students are often with us for many years. As they continue lessons year after year, we come to know them and truly care about their well-being.
The Covid-19 pandemic has me thinking about teaching our students during difficult times. We’ve tackled the technology issues of teaching online during the pandemic, but what about preserving through difficult emotional issues?
As teachers, we are often faced with students who enter encounter difficult life situations. Whether it be changes at school (what we are faced with now!), divorce, mental health issues, grief, or other issues students are faced with, there are things we can do as teachers to help our students stay engaged with music (and not quit lessons!) during these times.
Here are some ideas to consider when teaching students through challenging times.
#1 – Don’t push.
We live in a world where children are often over-scheduled and pushed. When students are going through difficult times at home, the last thing they need is to be pushed with difficult music. Instead, try to create a list with students of their favorite pieces that they’ve learned. Review these pieces and help students make them even better. When a student can play several pieces with ease, it can be a relaxing and healthy outlet for them at home.
You definitely don’t want the lessons to seem like a waste of time if you only review what they’ve already learned. To ensure the lesson is worthwhile and productive, you can take the time to make video or audio recordings of the student playing their favorite pieces. Learn to edit the videos and give parents a really nice video collection as a gift.
#2 – Stay at the same level a little longer.
It’s ok to keep a student at the same level when they are going through difficult times. You can use supplementary books within their level rather than going to the next level. In the Faber series, I really like to give students the corresponding Disney or Hits book.
#3 – Use the lesson time to create confidence.
Rather than skimming through material for the student to practice at home, use the lesson time to ensure that a student can play a section or piece well before going home. This leaves less work for the student to do at home.
#4 – Play arrangements of familiar songs.
I have to admit that I was never really a fan of simplified arrangements. However, I have learned over the years that students love to play arrangements of famous pieces they know. They really don’t care if it’s simplified! Being able to play a familiar tune is a confidence boost for students. I like Jennifer Eklund’s arrangements of The Entertainer, Swan Lake, and Fur Elise.
#5 – Take note of small achievements.
This year, I’ve started keeping track of students’ achievements during their lessons. I think in piano lessons it can be hard for our students to see progress unless they move to the next level of a book. I use the space in my music assignment book (buy here) to do this, but you can also just keep a running list in their notebook or binder of small achievements. Anything such as an extra day of practice, mastering difficult measures hands together, or learning a new scale should be noted as an achievement. Taking note of these achievements is a great way to boost self-esteem during challenging times.
#6 – Be a listening ear.
When my piano professor in college would ask me how I was, I always felt like she actually wanted to know. She had an amazing ability to make me feel heard. Be a listening ear for your students- not a giver of advice.
What are your tips for teaching students during challenging times?
Lauren teaches piano to students of all ages. She enjoys creating resources for her students and teachers. She is the author of Ready for Theory®. For personalized help, check out the consultations page for teachers.
