The beginning of the year is a good time to think about ambitions, goals, and dreams. The dictionary definition of resolution is “a firm decision to do or not to do something”. I make an affirmative resolution to encourage and motivate all my students to become better at piano practice this year! I would like to share with you some ideas I have up my sleeve.

Prize bag: If students practice during the week (and I can ALWAYS tell if they have or not), and have good participation during their lesson they get a prize at the end of their lesson. (The prize doesn’t have to be extravagant! Kids love getting little trinkets.) This motivation trick works really well with younger kids.

The Punch Card: Think of it as a reward card you would get from a restaurant. If you fill up the card you get a free drink or something. I have done this system a couple different ways. One is where the student only gets a punch on their card if they have practiced all week long, and had a good lesson. This means they would have to have at least four(depending on how many punches are on the card) weeks of practice before receiving a prize. I then try to make sure the prizes are a little better. (Maybe a notebook I found on sale, sheet music book, or a pack of Pokémon cards.) This system works better for kids who are a little older. Another way is to have the parents give the punches for each day the student practices for x amount of time at home. If they have all their punches when they return to their lesson they get treasure box or prize bag. This is a good system for younger kids because it also gets the parents involved in making sure practice is done at home.

Frequent recitals or small group performances. Nothing motivates a student like knowing they are going to have to play in front of others! Most teachers, myself included, offer studio recitals twice a year. If you have students who are early intermediate level and up, consider having small group performances. Where the students come together at a set time each month and play for one another. Not only does this create the motivation to practice, but it can create comradery between students. If students are of a similar level and ability, duets may also be a good way to motivate.

What are some of your student motivation ideas? I would love to hear them!