Implementing Innovative Teaching Methods In Your Music Studio

Remembering music lessons we took as a child can often conjure up memories of the old lady down the street with a grumpy disposition, glaring over the top of horn-rimmed spectacles and just waiting for a mistake to be made. While this has not been everyone’s experience, there are plenty of adults out there who can relate to this scenario. (I don’t have anything against older female teachers; just the grumpy ones!)

Over the past ten years or so, there has been a small but growing movement among some music teachers to use more innovative teaching methods in teaching their students. Savvy teachers have discovered that the old “tried and true” teaching methods are no longer as effective in retaining and motivating students as they once were.

While foundational teaching of basic music skills is still necessary and important, there are several ways to better present those skills in order to keep students interested in playing music. As teachers, we must constantly adapt our teaching styles to fit the needs and desires of our students. Methods that were “cutting edge” even 20 years ago are no longer necessarily the best ways to present material, especially with younger children.

Here are a few ideas to improve your teaching methods:

Be open to teaching material that the students want to learn.
Allow students to choose songs that they want to play, and adapt your teaching style accordingly.
Ask your students who their favorite artist/band/musician is on a regular basis (their favorites may change regularly, so ask often).

Embrace technology in your teaching studio.
Consider adding a computer lab as part of your overall program.
Ask students what is on their iPod/mp3 player, and tailor material choices around those songs.

Remember that each student is an individual; “one size does NOT fit all”.
Personalize lessons and teaching materials to each student.
For younger students in particular, create and play musical “games” in between finger exercises to break up the monotony.

Don’t be afraid to think “outside the box”.

By implementing these and other fresh ideas into your teaching regimen, you will not only retain more students, but you will find it easier to attract new students.

Gordon Ryan is a private music teacher and professional musician in upstate New York. More information about his teaching studio is available at http://www.binghamtonpianolessons.com