Teen Students
Swear Words in Sheet Music
Maybe this is a funny question, but what do other teachers do about swear words in sheet music? I just printed the sheet music for Some Nights by Fun for a student to start learning in January, but I’m hesitant to give a 9-year-old sheet…
Performance Anxiety
Can anyone point me towards resources to help a student with performance anxiety? She’s 13 and used to willingly play and sing for anyone who’d ask, but now she’s extremely resistant even as she’s a fabulous and sensitive musician. I’ve never felt like much of…
High School Jazz Bands
I am wondering if anyone here has experience with high school jazz bands. One of my student’s parents emailed me telling me her daughter wanted to try out. She is a very talented student, quick learner, hard worker, etc. But she has only just finished…
Supporting busy students
How would you support your students if they have been good students (Level 11) but then their home practice time got bumped by their school work and their commitment to school activities, and they are still committed to piano lessons? This is a group formed…
Coaching students through Level 4 valley
I am seeing a pattern of students growing restless in Level 4 and at the beginning of the reading process. This is usually around two years into lessons, and seems to coincide with students entering middle school. I feel sad to see them give up…
Non-compliant teenagers
I’m going to be real. I feel like firing two teenage students that never do what they’re told despite both parent and method coach enforcement every single week. Mom’s committed. We have had the talk for a couple months and I’m on my last rope.…
Busy teen student and critical music teacher
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)…
Life coaches for teenage students
Question about life coaches: adult students aren’t required to have one, I’m assuming, though it would admittedly help if they did, I’m sure. At what age does that happen? Just when they aren’t living at their parents’ house? There is a very responsible 16-year-old with…
Stressed teenaged student
My sensitive teen cried last night at class and I know she has been struggling but her dad tells me she absolutely loves her lessons and playing piano. Here’s the problem, she will only work on songs she loves, only do the things she wants…
Keeping teens engaged
I have several teens in my very small studio. I recently lost 2. I do think we are all needing more inspiration in lessons. Do you have insight as to how to keep these busy folks engaged? One of their moms suggested sitting down with…