First of all, it is important that your students don’t look at piano lessons as being a chore. They already go to school 5 days per week and don’t need to feel like they are still at school when they come to you. This is the main reason why some students don’t seem to focus or be motivated during their lessons. Yes, they have to learn and do the work, but it is also important that they think of piano lessons as being fun, interesting and a good time with a great teacher! Don’t reprimand your students for not practicing or don’t make them feel like they are disappointing you – there are other ways to make them realize that they will have to work a bit harder next week to learn their songs. For example, you can use a practice journal that their parents have to sign, in which they indicate what they have worked each day of the week. This way, you can use this positive method to encourage children to do more the next week or reward good habits – this will go a long way in making them more aware of what they have to do and will make them realize how good they feel when they come to lessons prepared and ready to play!
Another thing you can do to keep your students interested is to break down your lessons in short activities. Let’s face it, spending 30 minutes on one song is exhausting for the young ones and makes them feel as though they don’t have the talent necessary to play piano. Instead, schedule 4 activities of 10 minutes each and use the time remaining to review what they are supposed to practice during the week. Try to include theory worksheets that they can color and have fun with to distract them from the piano once in a while!
Finally, even if some of the students seem like they would rather be anywhere else than with you, or come to lessons unprepared week after week – or stop paying attention halfway through the lesson – it is up to you to change their attitude and make them enjoy piano lessons all over again. After all, music is a gift that needs to be enjoyed!