How to get kids talking

[shera]

How do you get your students more involved in their learning?  I need to do more of this -I realize I don't ask enough questions on how they think the piece should sound etc.  I do, but I need some new ideas and I'm curious how you get your students talking about the music and technique so they can own it more than just doing what the teacher says.

[Bob]

Ask them questions.  How did the week go, what do they think about how they play the piece, how can they fix this or that.....

Find music they want to play so they really are motivated.

[meli]

I agree with Bob, I think you should ask them questions just to check whether they are listening to their playing. I even ask them to give a score (1-10) or how good (or bad) it was, and its surprising how open they are about their playing and mine! So I ask them, what do you think you should do about this so and so passage? I also praise them when they seem to listening to their playing. Like, if they start off a soft passage with a loud bang, and suddenly say oops sorry, can I start it again, it was too loud! I just say GOOD, you are listening to your playing! I think this should head them in the right direction, that music is all about ears first.

[amanfang]

Try asking them what the piece is about.  Especially if there is no text, I will make up some sort of story, and then ask them to also make up a story (or for a different piece).  Or have them draw a picture about the piece and then explain it to you at the next lesson. 

I tend to use a lot imagery, and occasionally I will tell funny stories to illustrate (something about my dog or whatever).  This gets them more comfortable with me and more open.  Sometimes I find out what they like (video games?) and then use that to talk about music or technique or whatever.

[alissa14]

I agree with the last post.  I have students make a story up or draw pictures.  Even students who are not taking lessons can usually make up a story that makes sense with the music (I have students in my general music classes do this often).  I also have students circle dynamic marking with different colored pencils so that they pay more attention to their musicality.

[penguinlover]

I find that the more I get to know the kids, the more they will talk.  Get to know their family life, their pets, their favorite foods etc.  When they feel like you really care, they will be more inclined to open up and talk with you.  I always start out with non musical chat for an intro, then get down to business.