Please, consider these Four Key Factors: inspiration, goals, consistent practice and self-esteem
---Inspiration:
It is very important for children to be exposed to music—to attend concerts , to see inspirational movies or watch videos of great musicians on you tube. My students can participate in the class trips to famous venues in New York city and New Jersey. Evert season I inform everyone about the current concerts at David Griffin Hall, New Jersey Symphony and Carnegie Hall in NYC.
I believe that inspiration is a driving force behind an artistic creation. Inspiration can help students to learn new skills and to unfold their talent and potential. Sometimes one unforgettable concert can be enough to ignite a lifelong passion for music. Inspiration is a magical energy that can turn tedious hours of practice into an effortless experience. I remember that once in my childhood I was so moved by a concert at the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic hall, that on the following day I practiced for twelve hours without noticing the time. I started to play at 11 am and when I finally raised my eyes and looked at the clock, the time was 11 pm! Please see the attached list of legendary pianists and violinists whose recordings you might want to listen to. You can explore my “Classical music Listening List” that I compiled during the Pandemic. In addition to watching you tube videos or attending concerts, children need to see the performances of their peers---friends or classmates. The goal is for them to want to become just as good as their friends are. Any kind of show, whether it is dance, drama or choir, can enhance a child’s desire for learning and creativity.
---Goals:
We hold PIANO RECITALS at least twice a year. Recitals provide students with a long- term goal and a sense of purpose, as three or four musical pieces must be mastered technically and musically. Performance at a concert could be a new, mind opening experience. In the unique atmosphere of the live audience and the stage, performance can often become a medium for the undiscovered artistic abilities that would have not reveal itself during piano lesson or a piano practice at home.
---Self-Esteem:
The main pillars of my teaching philosophy are regular practice and hard work,perseverance and “positive pressure”. Pressure should not exist in the form of the coercion by parents or teachers, but rather in overall height of standards and the necessity to work toward a goal, such as performing at a concert or making a video. As mentioned earlier, pressure can be brought about by inspiration that will motivate a child to excel without too much pain. However, inspiration might not always be there, and the teacher (as well as parents) must promote discipline (as it forms character) and expect students to be prepared for every lesson. In addition to discipline and goals, it is essential that the teacher and parents BELIEVE in student’s ability to achieve results and to do well. This FAITH is the key to success and is often a crucial factor in the formation of the student’s self-esteem. When choosing a piece for a student, I usually promise to them that eventually they be able to play it, no matter how difficult the piece looks at first. And even if they don’t believe it, I will not stop believing in them, and so far this has worked!
As children become adults and get busy with their lives, what I would want them to develop and keep is faith in themselves and a life-long love for music.