Slow learning pace
Found in: Playing-Based Methodology
Mara K., Australia
I have a 7-year-old student who is painfully slow. She took 4 weeks to learn Dreams Come True. I understand it will take as long as it takes, but having been a frustrated, bored young piano student myself, I just don’t want that to set in. There is no diagnosed disability with this child. I also think there is some sibling dynamic going on because big brother, who is also having lessons with me, is so very on to it.
Mum is supportive. But they are not using videos as much as I would like.
Cate R., Australia
I think the problem is that they’re not watching the videos. Have a video session in the piano lesson. Show them how easy it is.
Kurt M., Michigan
Simply Music is a system. It works much better when all of the elements are there. When a student is not progressing, they are not practicing and/or not using support materials. Sometimes I will leave something out of a lesson and then assign them to fill in the blank with the video. That forces the issue.
Kerry V., Australia
Claiming territory? Seeing that the brother is playing as well, could it be that sibling issue of not wanting to seem bad by the brother so she will be bad first? Use the videos and have brother help her at home.
Heidi M., Canada
Not to invalidate your concern, but I have a 7-year-old who needed 3-4 weeks to get Dreams (in spite of using the videos etc) and she and her mom are both very happy. I think it was partly a motor skills issue because of the age and small hands. She is now learning every future song more rapidly and also does a lot of improv and totally loves piano and music. I personally would not get too worried about a child of that age needing a bit longer to learn it, though I recognize there are additional factors in your student’s case, such as the sibling issue.