Cultivating Motivation
I know that it’s a good idea for me to vacuum the floor in the studio every week, but it’s easy to neglect this chore if there is not a sense of immediate relevance. If, however, I schedule a prospective student and their family for an interview at the studio, I feel especially motivated to make sure the floor is vacuumed before they come. In the same way, a typical student will find it difficult to make practicing a priority unless there is a sense of immediate relevance. Weekly lessons provide one element of this as students prepare assignments for me, but at Natalie’s Piano Studio, one of the biggest motivational elements is our yearly practice incentive theme. (Most of the themes are available for purchase in the Music Matters Blog store.)
Each year’s theme is designed based upon lots of prayer, thought, and input from students and parents at the Year-End Evaluations in the spring. Here is a glimpse into the benefits students gain from the studio themes:
A Holistic Education
In addition to musical knowledge and skills, each theme seeks to integrate additional educational elements, such as history, geography, economics, cross-cultural understanding, strategy, problem-solving, and more.
Measurable Goals
Each theme includes the opportunity for students to select specific goals as part of their lesson assignment every week. The goals are adaptable for every age and level so that all students have equal opportunity for success.
Tangible Progress
The student’s goals are tracked in their custom-designed assignment books and often on a chart, map, or other marker on the studio wall. This provides a visual representation of what they have achieved and what they are working toward next.
Camaraderie
By participating in a common theme, students experience a connectedness with other students in the studio and often have the opportunity to work together on a project or ensemble. Theme-related group classes throughout the year are always a favorite!
Enthusiasm
As soon as the spring semester draws to a close, I already have students asking what the next year’s theme will be. Of course, I never know that far in advance, but we all look forward to something new and exciting to push us toward new musical goals the next year! I love spending time during the summer dreaming and drawing up plans for the new theme. And the students eagerly await the official announcement of the theme at our annual September Surprise!
Enriching Rewards
Ultimately I want the practice incentive theme each year to provide a framework for students to develop discipline and experience progress in their musical studies. As a way of recognizing them for their hard work, they have the potential to earn a reward for their diligent efforts. The specific reward changes each year, but is designed to relate to the theme, be appealing to all ages and levels, and contribute value to their musical experience.
