I think it is time for a little reflection and evaluation of being a teacher. Last week, I had two students stop taking lessons. Today, two students cancelled their lessons last-minute, and they are both families I consider "on the edge," meaning I wouldn't be surprised if they took a break from lessons as well. I am not sure what to think...is it me, something I am doing? Or do families simply take piano lessons lightly and not really want the commitment? I am trying to use these as learning experiences. The two students who have stopped were really too young for the methods I use to teach. I will have higher qualifications next time I evaluate a new student: they need to know how to read and write their letters (or better, are reading), they need to be able to play with all five fingers, and they need to be able to pay attention for at least 20-30 minutes. As for the students I have remaining, none of these things are an issue. Overall, I see a lack of motivation in my students. They don't eagerly go home to practice, they don't seem to care if they get any better, and parents don't seem to support the requirements of taking piano lessons. There are two recitals and an evaluation coming up in the next 3-4 months. I am hoping to really build this up, really get students excited and eager to learn their pieces. Maybe I need to reflect on what my attitude is towards these students...do I expect them to succeed? Or have I somewhat given up on them? Tomorrow is a new day...I pray I can face it with some joy and revival. I have to count blessings too: I have two new adult ladies starting this month. One has taken lessons previously and just needed some new direction; the other will be playing for the very first time. It's interesting how many adults I have - will some of these young students that have left reach 30 or 40 and wish they had kept taking lessons someday....? [And can I prevent the students I have now from this.] I am also becoming more active in the local Music Teacher's Assoc, which seems almost ironic as I am losing students! Hopefully, I will look back at this post in the future and understand more what was happening now at a time I could easily get discouraged, but choose to plod on....!
