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As a music instructor who’s been teaching almost 12 years, it’s my natural tendency to correct my students right away when they are doing something wrong(playing the wrong note, rhythm, or not finishing their phrasing correctly, etc) to avoid developing bad habits.
However, I’ve noticed that when I try instruct immediately, it doesn’t always produce better results. In fact I’ve found that it can disempower the student to take ownership of their craft. Although it is necessary to instruct a student when they are making a mistake that could lead to a bad habit, I’ve found more positive benefits of siting back and letting the student “figure it out” on their own for a little bit. This allows space for them to problem solve independently without my help.
If I always interject, even with best intentions, I can start sounding like a nagging teacher. So now, I just relax and let them fumble around a bit and if they are still have difficulty figuring it out, that’s when I come in. Rather than sharing what they need to fix, I first acknowledge what they are doing well and then ask them, ” How do you think you did, and what do YOU think you need to work on. This has produced better results with the student being more engaged in the learning process especially when correcting mistakes are not always fun.
So my advice is: sit back, breath, and let them problem solve and when needed that’s when you and I, as the teacher or coach comes in. They will thank and appreciate you more for it. And remember to always praise them a lot. The more you praise, the more than can receive constructive feedback well. Also it will make your life easier as a teacher but I do admit, it can require more patience out of you but the long term benefits are worth it.
