Busy teen student and critical music teacher
Found in: Reading, Teen Students
Sue L., California
My 15-year-old student started school band last September playing vibraphone and has been very consumed with rehearsals, competitions, and a critical band teacher who wonders “what kind of piano teacher did not teach her to sight-read”. Her practice time if infrequent (mainly due to band) so we are progressing slowly. Her family is hoping “I can talk to her”. I do not want to overstep. Should I just hang in there and progress slowly, put more pressure on her to practice, or is there another option I’m not seeing? She is in Level 7.
Joy O., Alabama
Is her home practice time for band infrequent too? At age 15, schoolwork gets heavier, and she may not be practicing either instrument as much as needed. Perhaps a frank talk with the student about her goals for piano lessons as well as band would help her clarify what she is willing to spend time on.
Sue L., California
She spends more time on band practice because the teacher and music are very demanding. Not just band, but band and drum line.
Robin T., China
They need to make a decision. One or the other.
Leeanne I., Australia
I bought a book called ‘The Young Musician’s Survival Guide’ by Amy Nathan. It is aimed at teens. Written by teens learning music, mostly more than one instrument and school band, and professional musicians, it talks about how they fit learning music in with everything else in their lives – homework, family, socializing, etc. The thing I really like about it is how it constantly talks about the need to practice most days. I have bought it and lent it to one of my teen students who is very talented, but not doing much practice. She is committed as she wants music as a career.
I have started a little music library in my studio so students and parents can borrow books, DVDs, and CDs related to piano and music. Hopefully, to help them on their journey.
Regarding the comment about ‘what kind of piano teacher did not teach her to sight-read’, you will get these back-handed remarks from traditional music teachers. Just explain to your students that at school/band/other music class they do things their way, but here, you do things your way. If your other music teacher needs you to sight-read, they should be teaching you. It’s not your responsibility.
Cheri S., Utah
School band is supposed to be designed to accommodate kids who have had NO prior music lessons.