Here’s a glimpse into what it looks like when I launch into planning a new practice incentive theme for my piano students.
- Plan a getaway. I always think I’ll be able to squeeze in time at home during the summer to plan the next year’s practice incentive theme. And my husband always insists that I book a few nights at a getaway location to have some devoted planning time. Then I’m always reminded that he’s right. There’s just nothing quite like being able to disconnect from the responsibilities and activities at home to hunker down and focus on my students and what they need for the coming year.
- Review Year-End Evaluations and Questionnaires. I set aside the last lesson in May for Year-End Evaluations with students and parents. They have questionnaire forms that they fill out in preparation for our meeting, and I complete an evaluation for each student. These provide helpful information for me regarding what they’ve enjoyed the most, areas they want to improve, and future theme suggestions. This is invaluable for me as I begin the brainstorming process!
- Consult my Theme Ideas section in Evernote. I started using Evernote in 2013 and they’ve continued to develop it into a fabulous tool that I use for all kinds of idea collecting and recordkeeping in my studio. I have a tag for “Theme Ideas” that I gather information throughout the year, whether from ideas that come to mind as I’m teaching, articles I come across online or in a teaching magazine, or resources from other teachers. Each one gets dropped into a note and tagged with “Theme Ideas” so I can easily peruse them for useful ideas.
- Start brainstorming in my Idea Notebook. Sometimes you just can’t beat putting pen to paper to get the creative juices flowing! I’ve kept an idea notebook for years and consider it an essential part of engaging in what has been called “invisible labor.” This is where I jot down every random thought or consideration or inspiration and let it clutter up the pages until a cohesive framework begins to emerge.
- Keep my Bible and a cup of tea handy. I spend a lot of time praying and seeking wisdom from God as I strive to come up with a plan that every student and parent will love, that will help me maintain a smooth teaching flow throughout the year, and that will motivate students to be disciplined and successful in their piano studies. This usually also requires downing multiple cups of freshly steeped loose leaf tea along the way!
- Include the 4 Components of a Good Practice Incentive. As the ideas begin to take shape, I know I’m on the right track if I begin to feel excited about it! For those who are reluctant to incorporate motivational programs in their studio, this article I wrote years ago encapsulates a philosophy that is about so much more than the debate between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Implementing practice incentive themes creates an inclusive environment where every student is part of something beyond themselves and is given a clear framework and the tools to succeed.
Obviously all of this requires a huge investment of time, energy, and money (buying all the theme materials takes a chunk of cash!). These couple of comments (one from a student and one from a parent) from the Year-End Evaluation forms are a reminder that it is well worth it!
If they’re going to be taking piano lessons anyway, and I’m going to be teaching anyway, why not make it as enjoyable for all of us as possible?! Stay tuned in September for the announcement of this year’s new practice incentive theme!
[And remember, you can get 25% off your choice of any practice incentive theme in the Music Matters Blog store by using the coupon code MOTIVATE 25 by Friday, August 8!]
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