Note to self –

Teaching resolutions for 2024

Kathryn Page introduces some feisty and fun teaching ideas for the year ahead

 

Dear Kathryn, in 2024 I promise to….

 

1 Make every lesson I teach feel special.

The once-a-week appointment for pupils should never feel like a visit to the dentist! Lessons should energise and inspire daily practising. 

2 Always see the glass as half full rather than half empty.

If a tutor is negative, a pupil will follow suit.

3 Always write lesson plans.

Structure is always positive – even if the schedule is abandoned during sessions.

4 Always review lessons.

Progress and attainment must be recorded & monitored.

5 Encourage and encourage again.

Ban the word ‘No’ from all your lessons and I guarantee your pupils will respond more effectively.

6 Support all my students with practice tips in every lesson.

All the pedagogy in the world is limited if a pupil cannot work on their own effectively in practice sessions.

7 Take ‘no practising’ as a great opportunity to lead a practise session rather than give a lesson.

Be a practise buddy and play with your non-practising pupils until they love it so much they cannot bare not to practise!

8 Stimulate student self-regulation.

Ultimately, we succeed as teachers when pupils find us superfluous. Making them independent quickly is vital for their musical growth.

9 Always develop the whole Musician.

Piano playing is so much more stimulating when it moves beyond mechanics.

10 Relate lessons to the bigger picture that is every student’s whole life.

Music reflects and stimulates everything. Embrace life as you support and encourage your pupils.

11 Include singing in every lesson.

If we cannot breathe and sing a phrase, we cannot play it.

12 Make room for improvisation.

Creativity is a win-win phenomenon – and there are no ‘mistakes´ with improvisation. 

13 Get off the piano stool and dance.

Music cannot exist as a static phenomenon.

14 Never cram schedules with back-to-back lessons.

If you are flustered and stressed, the vibes will have a bad effect on all your students. 

15 Encourage students to learn pieces that are beautiful but well within their technical capabilities. 

If you are constantly straining at the threshold of technical comfort, it is so much harder to project your music’s inner picture. 

16 Move away from grades and levels.

What would you prefer: Angela Hewitt playing Grade 2 selections from the Anna Magdalena Notebook or a disengaged student attempting a diploma programme?

17 Bring students together for duets and ensemble sessions.

The piano need never be an unsociable beast!

18 Organise concert trips.

Watching live music remains energising and can even be life affirming.

19 Encourage posture and healthy practise not just at the piano but in every aspect of life.

Children under the age of six inevitability have perfect seating positions and excellent gaits. We all owe it to ourselves not to lose this.

20 Remind every student that good sleep, food, exercise hygiene (physical, mental and spiritual) is possibly more important than knowing fingerings for all your scales.

This surely is nothing but common sense.

21 Make every pupil love the recording process.

Overcome the fear of the microphone and confidence in performance will soar.

22 Encourage a love of sharing musical achievements.

Performance thrives from communication. Get your youngest protégés to play ´listen (not ˋshow‘ and tell’). 

23 Help pupils to get excited rather than nervous by exams, competitions and concerts. 

Turn discomfort to pleasure: It’s all a matter of attitude and perspective!

24 Develop the art of stagecraft fully for everyone who plays – from the first lesson beginner up to the seasoned adult returner. 

Developing a natural and comfortable platform presence takes time but is deeply rewarding. Get even beginners in Lesson 1 used to walking onto an imaginary stage and bowing. 

 

Happy New Year. May you continue to enjoy and develop your teaching through 2024 and beyond!

 

Yours truly 

Kathryn