How do you keep your lessons fun and interesting?

[MusicMom]

I am looking for new ideas to keep bored students interested in their lessons.  
I have a couple of students, in particular, who are only there because their parents make them take lessons.   :-/
I am hoping to generate some ideas on how to make it so fun for them that THEY want to continue lessons.  

Any ideas would be great!!!!!!
Thanks
Musicmom

[pianoannie]

What are the ages, gender, and piano level of the students who are losing interest?  I will try to suggest some specific "student-saving" pieces.
I believe there are two crucial points in keeping students enjoying piano:
1.  They like the pieces they are being assigned (or at least most of them).
2.  The pieces they are being assigned are not so difficult as to be frustrating.
If a student enjoys his pieces, and can accomplish them in a reasonable amount of time, he will most likely continue wanting to learn.  Humans have a natural love of music, kind of like we have a natural love of food!  But we all have different tastes in music, as we do in food.
Now, I do believe an occassional fun contest or group party can add to the enjoyment of piano, and when I have more time I'll post some of the things I have done that the kids enjoyed.  But really evaluate the music first and be sure to get some student input on what they'd like to play.

[faulty_damper]

Do you only have one piano?  If you have two, that would be great way to play games.  You can a note on your piano and then he could play the same note.  Then you can work from their.  And don't forget the praise for them getting the right note or note sequence.  That would be fun.  I wish I had two pianos.  I wish I were 8 years old.  I wish I had a piano teacher who has two pianos who would play this game with me.  

[kulahola]

You lessons are boring because you want to make fun for the fun of it.
I am extremely active in my lessons, pointing out what is wrong every second of the lesson. The student has no time to get bored and must correct things as I demand it - immediately and many times.
I am totally against fun in music teaching. It s just a waste of time and a way for teachers to get more customers.

[MusicMom]

Kulahola



I completely disagree with you!  My lessons as a whole are note boring, and I am not just trying to get more students.  I personally think it is terrible to be so negative during a lesson.  If all they hear is criticism, all they will do is criticize.  I am not trying to train an army of Mozarts, just a few students who love playing the piano.  
I do admit that as students progress there is more need to be critical, but why would a 10 year old want to continue playing if all you do is yell out commands?   Children are children so they can have fun and enjoy life.        
(That is there job!)  If I can make my lessons enjoyable, then I think I am a better teacher for it!!!!!!!

[MusicMom]

pianoannie,

The two students who I struggle with are both girls.  One is 10 and a beginning student. The other is 11 and is a late beginner.  I would really appreciate some new ideas.  (They've got my number I'm afraid.)  

[MusicMom]

faulty_Damper

I wish I had two pianos, that would make it easier to think of games to play.  

[allchopin]

Tip #459:
Throw some food and beverage in the picture, unless you are worried about your upholstery and/or piano being ruined.  Sufeited kids are more eager to learn!

[pianostring]

try using games to teach theory, it's a time saving shortcut and makes the lessons fun -- for ideas, email me at juelle@merr.com