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Music is A LOT about listening so it’s just as important to listen to your own students. In my 11 years of teaching, I’ve learned that my students communicate to me how effective I am at teaching with verbal feedback as well as what is not said. Students progress much faster and better when 1. You affirm them 2. You attune to how their day is/was 3. You are sensitive to their needs.
Teaching piano/voice is not just about improving, skill but attuning to their needs, personalities, moods, and even learning styles. For one student, he/she may receive direct feedback or correction very well. While another needs a lot more praise and gentleness. I pick up on their body language and interaction with me to know how best to direct the lesson. Sometimes the student is struggling and not able to articulate what they need. Other times, they are distracted or need a break to share something personal in their life and come back to the exercise. This often is the case with younger students 7 and younger because their minds are still filled with endless imagination and play. The bottom line is, it’s important to be sensitive your students so that you can see them motivated to practice and improve their musical abilities.
