Assuming we’re talking about younger children who are beginners, my answer would be to back off as soon as possible, as soon as you sense serious resistance.
By this I mean that I present a skill, and if it is easy to them, I continue. If they have difficulty, I note what precursor skill they lack and make a note to teach that first before I try the task again.
Another way to say it is that aggression never works. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. Assuming your student is a little more intelligent than a horse, you can also convince the “horse” that water is cool, refreshing and good for you. You can also make a game out of drinking the water yourself. Enough demonstration and you will have a kid eager to try a drink of that water.
You have to watch the child every second to see their micro-reactions to things. Also note what activity they have just left, if possible. Are they physically tired, or were they playing a Wii game and want to get back to it as soon as possible? If they come from the computer, most kids are burned out and you will get little out of them.
Making them feel guilty for not being in the mood for piano is useless. Better to acknowledge their mood and tell stories of how you lose the mood all the time. Just talking a moment can change the mood and let them decide perhaps to play. Take what you can get and make good use of it.
Here’s a diagnostic test: start a supremely easy activity, such as playing a new favorite song. If the child really seems to resist it, then it is time for less structure.
In such a case I immediately switch to game mode, and start playing chord games. For some reason, almost all kids see this as a relief from the tedium of serious thought, much like playing with blocks or Legos (and chords are the Lego building blocks of music.)
If you are a good player, you can take the time to simply play a great piano piece, not expecting them to learn it, but to share the beauty of the work with them (and if you’re not a good player, play a CD.) You’d be surprised how much kids enjoy the relaxing break from all activity that listening brings.
Sometimes we play finger wiggling games, a seemingly silly activity that actually logs more finger muscle development time than most piano practice sessions.
Kids love the unconventional approach, sensing that we are off the beaten track, and as long as the activity strengthens their interest and skill in some way it is a valuable digression.
See also DISGUISING REPETITION IN KID'S PIANO LESSONS
See also WHY CHILDREN NEED FREEDOM TO LEARN PIANO
By John Aschenbrenner Copyright 2010 Walden Pond Press All Rights Reserved
PIANO IS EASY BOOK PACKAGE INCLUDES:
PIANO IS EASY (ISBN # 0-9718936-1-6) Sturdily bound, durable, colorful 120 page illustrated song book with 50 songs such as Jingle Bells and London Bridge, Play Along Audio CD and removable numbered stickers.
Every book package order of PIANO IS EASY includes a copy of I CAN READ MUSIC. This fun, easy-to-understand music activity book is the best way to start children reading music. Click here for sample pages.
Every book package order of PIANO IS EASY includes a FREE copy of the 56 minute DVD video from TEACH YOURSELF PIANO. This video will have you playing chords (three piano keys played with the left hand) and fun, familiar songs with both hands right away. That's a $16.95 value free!
2 BOOKS, PLAY ALONG AUDIO CD and DVD
Click here for a list of songs. Click here for sample pages.
PIANO IS EASY BOOK PACKAGE $39.95
For Younger Kids see also CHILDREN'S MULTI BOOK PACKAGE and PRESCHOOL PIANO PACKAGE
For Adults see also ADULT PIANO PACKAGE
100% money back NO RISK guarantee!
10 YEARS IN BUSINESS, OVER 500,000 SOLD!
Copyright © 2000 - 2012 Walden Pond Press. PO BOX 566 Crugers NY 10521 1-800-707-2682 email info@pianoiseasy.com PIANO BY NUMBER ® is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. PRIVACY POLICY
