What to Say in Your Private Lessons

I’ll never forget teaching my first piano lesson! I was going into my Senior year of high school just trying to make some extra money and had absolutely no idea what to say to my student. Who would have thought this little 3rd grader could be so intimidating?!

Thankfully, I’ve overcome this fear (for the most part at least) and have established a basic routine for teaching music lessons each day. I’ve come up with a list of ideas to help those are just beginning to teach lessons and looking for some direction, or maybe you’ve taught for a while and are simply looking for some fresh ideas to spice up your teaching routine. Hopefully there is something here that you can “add to your tool belt.”

1. Choose a curriculum for your student. This is such an important step in teaching music! Different curriculum will emphasize certain concepts, while skimming over others. Find one that is right for you and, more importantly, your student. Personally, I have grown to love Alfred’s Basic Piano Library. I ask my beginner students to purchase the Lesson Book 1A only. If they complete this book and decide to continue lessons, I may have them purchase a Technic or Theory book in addition to the Lesson book. Alfred also has great books for Adult beginners!
2. Break the ice. Before jumping into all things music, get to know your student. For me this happens from the walk from the student’s classroom to our piano practice room. Ask about their family, favorite thing about school, what they like to do for fun, if they go to church, what they like to play at recess, etc. Let them know you care about them more than simply because they are taking music lessons from you. I like to open lessons with prayer periodically as well!
3. Review. Reinforcement is key when working with students both young and old. Review concept taught from previous weeks, whether note names, rhythms, symbols, etc. You can make a game out of it (Pinterest is full of great ideas!), or simply have a question/answer time.
4. Listen. Have your student play the song(s) he/she has been practicing that week. Listen for things done well and things that can be improved. When they finish a song, I like to do what’s called a “positive sandwich.” Simply, say something positive first, then mention things that could be improved, but then end with something else they did well, or how proud you are of them for their hard work.
5. Introduce new song/concept. One thing I love about the Alfred series is that they explain new concepts very clearly and systematically. A lot of my “teaching” is simply reading the book, possibly rewording it in a simpler way depending on the student’s age, and then having the student practice implementing the new concept into his playing. I like to have my beginner students play new pieces hands separately at first, then if time allows, have them play it hands together. Another fun idea is for the student to play the right hand while you play the left hand, then switch! This gives the student an idea of what the song will sound like when it’s all put together.
6. Explain practice routine. I like to write down my student’s assignments on an “Assignment Sheet” (see the PDF sample below) or in the student’s notebook he uses specifically for music lessons. I explain what songs, scales, etc. I expect them to practice. If necessary, tell them a specific number of times to practice each song. Let them know what they need to improve, whether rhythm, tempo, dynamics, note identification, expression, memorization. Whatever it may be, tell them and write it down so they have that reminder at home when they practice.

I hope this helps to establish a simple foundation of what to do and say during your lessons. I would love to hear your teaching “routine” and activities you incorporate into your lessons!