Studio Challenges
Explore productive, inspiring activities. Check them out!
Progress
Students love seeing how much progress they’ve made!
At Strata Piano, students and parents are welcome to bring their own goals for piano. The teacher guides students through incremental, achievable steps towards the goal. Be sure to celebrate the little moments along the way!
Long-Term Success
Adults may recognize the long-term benefits of piano lessons, but it’s harder for kids to see 5 or 10 years down the road. It’s amazing to experience how piano lessons can boost life skills, academic skills, expression, creativity, mindfulness, and more.
When the teacher and parent(s) support a child’s piano studies, the student soars. A simple way to demonstrate support is attending lessons, recitals, and other events with their child. Kids notice!
Parents model consistency, dedication, and nurturing, Developing new skills requires consistency, dedication, and nurturing. Parents’ presence, attention, and support demonstrate the importance of piano.
Happy Practicing
Our mind works best when we’re feeling content. We’re better able to access creativity, smooth out problem solving, find awareness/focus, and see our goals more optimistically.
Quick Boosts
Here are some student favorites:
• Go to a live piano concert
• Experiment with different sounds
• Slow down and listen for interesting harmonies
• Improvise on a melody from one of your pieces
• Compose your own music
• Record your piece and speed up the playback
• Dance expressively
…. The options are seemingly endless!
Growth Mindset
Constructive Compliments
Turn a generic compliment … into something constructive and individualized.
Examples:
“Great job making the ‘Wild Rider’ piece sound like a horse running.”
“We’re all so proud of you for your dedication to practicing every day.”
“Let’s celebrate with a surprise trip to a piano concert because you cheered on the other competitors today.”
Categories of motivation
Positive-intrinsic: helps with long-term motivation
Examples: enjoyment, sense of accomplishment, curiosity, enrichment, mental challenge, relaxation, cooperation, etc.
During lessons with Strata Piano you’ll see plenty of these!
Positive-extrinsic: may provide a short-term boost
Examples: competitions, awards, good grades, acclaim, etc.
Let me know if these interest you; there are lots of opportunities to seek out.
Good Days
Even professional pianists have some days that are better than others. Be kind to yourself, knowing you’ll get back on track soon enough!
