What to do with a teenaged student who is losing interest in the piano & arrives at the lesson poorly prepared

Answer 1

Some students lose interest no matter how hard you try. There are so many distractions nowadays. Most students are not just taking piano lessons. Most are involved in many different activities. It's very hard getting them to practice and keep them interested. I've found having them listen to great pianists on Cd's or watch DVDs about them gets some motivated. Making a "big deal" about some piece that they are working on, or are going to work on, is also helpful. Have them prepare for concerts or contests. You can also give them something more modern or popular to work on, on the condition that they continue to practice their regular lesson. Emphasize that their "classical" pieces are the "meat and potatoes" whereas the "pop" stuff is the "cake and ice-cream".
I hope this was helpful.
Good Luck!

Answer 2

If given a completely free choice, what music would the student like to play?
Would the student like to experiment with a keyboard (not elecric piano)?
Has the student had the oportunity to play amongst others with a similar music preference?
I asked these three questions because your question reminded me of my brother (13 at the time) who was entirely put off by about 18 months of traditional piano lessons and the associated preparation. Once free of these constraints he practised music of his own preference (often with friends) to the point where he now plays jazz and blues professionally.

Answer 3

I took piano lessons for 8 years, and i liked it until it began to feel like a chore. My teacher and my mom wanted me to practice 2 hours a day and it was just too much. Try to make it more fun, maybe get the music for some recent or more updated songs...the student may be feeling pressured.

Answer 4

Maybe speak with them and find out what kind of music they like. Then maybe you can teach them modern tunes which they like/relate to.

It's difficult for someone to be dedicated to an instrument when they have so many pressures on them like school work and social time (which is where a lot of life skills are learnt)
but it when you're older that you wish you had kept playing.

I know it would be frustrating for you but maybe give less homework for a while so that they don't feel pressured into quitting.

Answer 5

Ask how he or she why they aren't doing so well and tell the student to practise. If not, its better to tell the student to stop coming. No point if he or she is losing interest. If the student is younger I can understand but if it is a teenager you can't make him/her gain interest. They have to cultivate interest by themselves. You can try asking the student what they he/she is really interested in and go with that too.

Answer 6

U could do what my folks did, they got me a mentor in the field. Someone who would come over and instead of just practicing all the time, the guy made it fun and we would play duets together and he told me his stories of how college life was, and what made him decide to continue playing instead of giving up. I started at the age of 4 and continued into college. Then after college is where I decided that I would just like this for a hobby. I still talk to him, but not much.

Answer 7

Try to show her how piano lessons can benefit her. Use examples such as Alicia Keys.

Answer 8

whenever the student arrives play the best of tunes urslef so that he/she is curious to know more about it ..and guide him to prepare for the same

Answer 9

it seems like the person doesnt care about piano anymore.if it is a boy i suggest electric guitar instead:)

Answer 10

teach him some new songs, get him motivated. mayb theyre getting bored from playing boring songs