Comments on: 4 Components of a Good Practice Incentive

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:39:40 +0000

My plan for this year: a 23″x35″ free-standing bulletin board, divided into three sections: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced (with level-graded goals). Each student will have a color 3×5 index card, to be removed & brought to the piano at lesson time. Stickers will be added for each goal met; when 25 stickers have been accumulated, they choose from age-appropriate prize box…then we begin again with a fresh index card. The ultimate prize will be a trip to a Piano Performance at Orchestra Hall. The students can also observe the progress of others (it’s very colorful & eye-catching).

By: Laura

Laura — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:52:50 +0000

Hi Natalie,
Thank you for sharing all these wonderful ideas! After reading about the success of your incentive programs I decided to come up with my own for this fall. I’m still working on it, but it’s going to be about exploring the mystery of music. I’m wondering if you have any pieces that come to mind for recitals – so far I have Agent X, Super Sleuth, (Melody Bober I think) and the song Our Detective Agency, in the Faber method books. I’m hoping to get a bunch together that my students might pick from for our end-of-the-year recital. The big incentive is earning a chance to see “The Composer is Dead” with me and their parents. If you or any other teachers have suggestions, they’d be most welcome. Thanks!

By: Saundra

Saundra — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:06:49 +0000

Just curious as to what you came up with for your studio incentive program this year.

By: How To Motivate Your Students

How To Motivate Your Students — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:53:05 +0000

[...] been thinking a lot about my practice incentive after reading Natalie’s post on 4 Components of a Good Practice Incentive. If you’re thinking of starting a practice incentive program, you really should read [...]

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:38:32 +0000

I like incentives. Teaching is all about positive reinforcement.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:19:57 +0000

These are great tips to remember. I especially like the rewards you give- going to a symphony or a recording studio. Those are motivating to a student, and also help them appreciate music even more!