A common misconception I've noticed while teaching these last few years revolves around confidence. Confidence is a key factor when learning how to play an instrument and, depending on the student, if taught incorrectly could hinder their progress. This is partly why we center our lessons around independent learning. 

We've found that some teachers and parents like to give their child or student the answers while helping learn a new song. Although giving answers can sometimes be unavoidable, it is crucial that you don't do this too often.  When students are give the chance to explore and ask questions to help them further their knowledge or come to conclusions on their own, they gain the confidence because THEY did the work. The students who are consistently given the answers while practicing at home or during lessons, are the students that struggle with starting a new piece or after playing each note, ask if it's correct. 

We know it's hard to see our children struggle, but it's important to remember that with struggle comes perseverance and triumph.  In other words, struggle doesn't always have a bad outcome if you approach it in the right way.  When a student may not know the answer, you must guide them towards the answer rather than giving it to them right away.

Learning an instrument is more than performing and knowing how to play a song or two.  It's about all the little things in between--reading your notes correctly, dynamics, rhythm, articulation, etc..

This post goes out to my fellow teachers who run a small private Music Studio. If it's one thing I've learned since teaching, people love routine and organization. If you are constantly changing your schedule or cancelling and rescheduling lessons, you may find yourself struggling to keep students. Keep in mind that your parents & students already have a hectic schedule juggling jobs, school, family, a home, and after school activities. They crave a routine and when you provide that sense of organization, you build on so much more--making your business more dependable. 

Same thing goes for your classroom.  When you stay organized and your students know/understand the routine, your classes will run efficiently. I found these amazing dry erase sleeves at Walmart and they have transformed the way my classrooms run! I've found that kids LOVE to check off once they have completed a task. I've also noticed that when students set their own goals, they are more willing to put in the effort to achieve them (: