encouragement

Showing all 7 results in encouragement

How Far to Go Supporting Fearful Students

I was just speaking with an adult student about how she is too afraid to play in front of anyone in case she makes a mistake, even her husband! She also mentioned that it is always her left hand that she can’t remember and has…

Students Struggling in Performance

So how do you encourage or console a student who really struggled in performance? He did many things beautifully, but a few errors started to throw him off and it deteriorated rapidly with him visibly upset by the end. I feel for him! He left…

Helping a student deal with disappointment

I have an ethical dilemma. I have had students try out for school talent shows and have had each one get chosen. One even went to state competition with a song he wrote. I know there is an elimination process for all of life’s events.…

New teacher feeling overwhelmed

I feel like I’m trying to climb Mt Everest with just a daypack. So much left to learn! I’ve got all the Foundation 1 songs, basic versions, and most of Foundation 2. I’m barely ahead of some of my students. Also trying to do the…

The power of the relationship conversation

Something I’m continually learning as a teacher is to not shy away from having the relationship conversation. When a student walks in and says, “I am really in a valley”, my goal is to not freak out and worry that she is going to immediately…

I Hate Piano – parent support email

Dear Teachers, I was reading recent emails on the Forums about struggling students, people needing breaks, etc. and wanted to share my own experience.  I have always noticed that many parents feel worn down in May and June, and this year was no exception.  In…