Most of the world may still be closed for traveling right now, but my students and I have just completed an exhilarating journey Ad Astra (“to the stars”). One of my students has requested a space theme for our annual practice incentive theme for several years, so this past year I determined to make that a reality. One of my favorite aspects of teaching is developing these themes and striving to make them accessible to students of all ages and levels, with a variety of choices incorporated into them to help students take ownership for their own musical growth and practice each week. I can’t imagine teaching now without this framework to guide us throughout the year! I love the structure it provides for each week’s lesson, and the students love being able to measure their progress throughout the year and see a tangible representation of it on the studio wall as they reach certain milestones.
As many of you know, we always launch our studio practice incentive theme with a September Surprise! event for students and parents where they surprise me with any piece they want to perform and I surprise them with an announcement and overview of our theme for the year. It’s always a fun time and a great way to build enthusiasm and anticipation for the year ahead. At the conclusion of this year’s theme overview, one of the dads exclaimed, “This is awesome!” It always makes me smile when not only the students, but also their parents, are excited about another year of piano lessons. I love the camaraderie and appreciation for the value of music lessons that is cultivated by including practice incentive themes as a part of my studio culture (along with the spirit of fun that it creates for both my students and me as we work together toward specific and measurable goals throughout the year)!
If you’re looking for something new and energizing for your studio this year, try the brand new Ad Astra: a journey to the stars theme (which also includes the Huge Bundle of Music Theory Flashcards [a $20 value!] and the option to order printed student assignment books!) or check out our collection of 16 different practice incentive themes. You can also read over our Testimonials Page to find out which themes other piano teachers and students have especially enjoyed in their studios!
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