Star Piano Studio

     Students of Star Piano Studio know about our frequent conversations, in both private lessons and our monthly Master Classes, relating to musicianship, performance practice, and ways to succeed with learning music.  As a teacher always searching for new ideas to motivate effective and regular practice, this past academic year (2015-2016) I introduced a new concept:  Practice Panda's Adventures.
     Practice Panda's Adventures  involved taking home a "practice buddy" (an adorable stuffy named Practice Panda) for one week, which was supposed to sit on a students piano, as a friendly reminder to practice, and as a symbol of support and encouragement. Importantly, the weekly Adventure  included a practice journal, as a binder in which each student had their own section to track a practice log, draw pictures, or add photos or creative commentary.  At the front of the binder are notes to the student suggesting ways to use the journal, keep track of daily practice, and ways that Practice Panda could accompany them. I also added suggestions for parents on ways to support their child's regular practice routine, as well as outlining the goals  and intentions of this project. Each student was so excited to participate in this Adventure, and often rather sad to bring Practice Panda back to the studio. Students know that Panda is always in my studio, and may revisit them in the future. In the meantime, students have learned to create their own personal "practice buddies" at home.
      The result? An INCREASE IN STUDENT PROGRESS! Yes, that's right! This has been one of the most successful years in seeing students implement efficient weekly practice;  term and yearly goals were largely followed through quickly and easily with good results; faster than expected progress with well-developed technique and musicianship far above the usual expectations; and students are really enjoying the learning process, excited to attend lessons, do home practice, and share their progress at Master Classes and Recitals. 
     So, this "adventure" was intended as a way to demonstrate support and to provide motivation in three main ways:
                    1. Practice Panda symbolized to the student that they were supported in their 'often lonely' efforts to practice;  
                    2. Panda's Practice Journal it gave voice to their experiences, concerns, challenges, and successes. 
                    3. Students realized even more that they were not alone in their efforts, by seeing the experiences shared by others.
Importantly, each individual student offered kind and encouraging tips on practicing for others to read in the journal.  In our final Master Classes this spring term, we discussed these ideas and adventures. The  wonderful outcomes of this adventure resulted in some excellent points, shared below:
Focus on Goals
*Goals are a good guide to practice
*If you follow your teachers directions for the week, your next lesson is awesome!
*Have term (BIG) goals, weekly goals (big) and small goals (daily)
*Small goals are doable, and are better than trying to do too much too soon
*Practice. You won’t get anything done if you don’t.

Motivation
*Just start. Once you do, you will enjoy it.
*Start with small goals
*Don’t give up, soon it will be even more fun.
*Do your best
*Play a lot for people.
*Ask “is it better?” at the end of your practice session.
*Have a “practice buddy” for moral support!
*Sometimes keeping a record helps too.
          Thank you to all of my students for sharing your input on ways to successfully practice! I am thrilled to know that such young students have already synthesized much of the "wisdom" discussed  in lessons and at Master Classes.  Mostly, I am rewarded, as their teacher, to find that every student is willing to share their own supportive and insightful experiences, perspectives, and wisdom.   In turn, I am motivated  to explore more new ideas and ways to encourage students to more efficient practice, for our upcoming academic year.  Prepare for another wonderfully successful year ahead!

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