Does Anyone Here Teach Regular Everyday Kids?

[mrsmusic13]

I think you know what I mean-students who are in their first, second or third, fourth year of piano study who play the piano decently, improve and progress well (but also do baseball, soccer, martial arts, dance, swim, take Advanced Placement courses, go to Kumon, take family trips etc. etc.

They'll never go on to major in music, perform professionally or win major competitions, but will end up being doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists who play piano well and play it all their lives.

Just wondering because I teach students from beginners through graduate students in piano performance.

So much on pianostreet is about the top level of piano student.

I'm just curious if there are any of you out there who teach the common folk as well.

If so, just one of the things I'd enjoy discussing is interesting repertoire for elementary through late intermediate level students that is not played to death in every festival, competition, MTNA event, Sonatina Festival, National Piano Guild Auditions etc.

Take Care, Lou

[honeywill]

Absolutely! The majority of my students are ordinary kids who will never be professional musicians, but still enjoy their lessons and get a great deal of satisfaction from playing. I think they learn a lot of lessons about presentation and handling themselves under pressure by doing regular performances, music exams etc.

I like trawling through publishers' websites looking for new material. Schott and Breitkopf and Hartel are my current favourites..

I like the Keyboard Crocodile series, Schott Piano Pictures series, Mike Mower's Piano Treats, Unbeaten Tracks (fantastic piece called Meteor Shower) - edited by Joanna McGregor, I could go on and on....!

[mrsmusic13]

Thank you for your reply. I like to trawl as well . Right now I am looking for sonatinas that aren't played to death and that would appeal to some of my elementary and early intermediate students(especially the boys). Any suggestions?

Take Care, Lou

[go12_3]

Well, I hope I teach ordinary students that live regular lives , what I mean by that is
I don't have students with parents that pushes them to become a concert pianist but
to enjoy music and what they are learning.  I think my lessons are a journey for my
students and I have students that started lessons 2 and 3 years ago and loving it.
What is important that children now a days live such hectic and busy lives and learning
to play an instrument is commendable indeed.  I have one student that I teach violin also.
 I have had students that took lessons and quit due to loss of interest or too many
activties going on. 
Sonatinas... I know several of them for early intermediate levels: Piano Sonatinas Book One
by Faber & Faber, by the FJH Music Company. There are 4 books altogether.  I have a couple of students(twins) that are enjoying the Book One.     So do look into those, wonderful sonatinas!
I love sonatinas   

[mrsmusic13]

Thank you for your response. The reason I asked the question, "Does anyone Teach...Regular Everyday Kids?" is because often times it seems that the only discussions here are re. upper level students and I wanted to try to get some lurkers to post. Sure, I teach upper level students too and repertoire isn't a problem with them, but I need some fresh ideas for sonatinas for early intermediate students through late intermediate students. I have the book you mentioned and it is good.

Take Care, Lou
PS I need one that will appeal to one of my young boys who loves to play "rags." He's very good, about Level 3A-3B Faber (and at the moment very anti-sonatina:-) He's a fanatic about baseball.

[quantum]

PS I need one that will appeal to one of my young boys who loves to play "rags." He's very good, about Level 3A-3B Faber (and at the moment very anti-sonatina:-) He's a fanatic about baseball.

Try Stephen Chatman - Sports.  It gets kids exploring the piano and using some modern techniques. 

[mrsmusic13]

Thanks

[nagatomo]

Oh, yes!!!   I suppose you are in USA? as I don't recognise the materials you are using...  I am in Europe.  Most of my students play a few pieces from Kabalevsky op.27 at one stage of their development as pianists; I am also keen on Prokofiev Musique d'Enfant, Grovlez, Satie...  And the teenage boys seem to love "Metamophosis" by Philip Glass!!!

[lilla]

Look for Noona Contemporary Sonatinas - really cool - fun for intermediate, but still has traditional sonatina concepts

[mrsmusic13]

Thank you Lilla. That is a good book.

[emusicmaestro]

Yes absolutely - I teach ordinary students as well as high flying ones.

One of my most rewarding jobs is to produce excellent A Level piano recitals from fairly ordinary students at an FE college.

Those who work hard and have the will to succeed sometimes discover that they can become professional musicians and go on to major music colleges, some go on to become professionals in unrelated spheres and keep piano as a hobby, but some never touch a piano again after they have left us!

[lovettmusic]

I teach all ages at a private music studio, but most of my students are young children ranging from six to thirteen. I have a couple of adult students who have either decided to pursue a musical education later in their life or who have decided to return to the instruments.

Most of my students will probably never grow up to be music majors, although there are a couple who have a great passion for learning and practice diligently. (I have a twelve year old that started with me hardly knowing how to read bass clef, and now she's learning Beethoven!) The others come up with excuses every week; "Oh, I didn't practice this week because I had a soccer game, or a sleepover, or a school function, etc., etc.," but all of my students have a love for music and enjoy their lessons.

I find comfort remembering that so few of us have real musical knowledge, and in a culture like today's, it's our duty to teach children. If we don't, who will?

[keyofc]

Lou,

I'm not turning out any Beethovens or Bachs here!  I know what you mean - some people talk all the advanced music - when I find the challenge is more w/the beginners to get them to that point.

They may never get to that point - since yes, they go to all the events you mentioned and also engage in competitions of all sorts.

Then there's the 4 year old that is "too busy" to practice because so many of her friends keep ringing her doorbell.  

I've noticed that a lot of younger boys like Robert Vandall's music. "That's Cool" (I think is by him)
The title  gets them - and they learn more chords in it too.  It does sound nice - real fun piece.

I love Melody Bober's music too - a lot of good elementary pieces with personality and art.
I can't think of a sonatina offhand.

I think if everytime they can take away something - even if it's as not much as I want them to take - I feel like I've succeeded to a degree.

When I was growing up - parents put a huge value on lessons.  Not just the money - but the gift of the child.  I don't think that's done quite as much now.

[chris_goslow]

Excellent post.  Most of my students have been children ages 7-11 and beginners.  I find it refreshing to see teachers on this forum working with more advanced students!

[mrsmusic13]

Thank you for your replies. It's nice to hear from teachers who are working with students who are at many different levels. Most days I come home after working with university piano majors to teaching 6-14 year olds. Many of them are involvedin so many other things.

While I have private students who practice a great deal, I also have students who are over scheduled from the age of 5. Dance, Martial Arts, Private Tutors, Kumon, Swimming, Tennis,  Foreign Languages, Lego Robotics etc. etc.

 I realize the world has changed but I teach many children whose parents are readying them for grad school and they are 7. It boggles my mind:-)

I'm always looking for new and less familiar repertoire and I appreciate your suggestions.

Take Care, Lou

[chris_goslow]

Thanks for putting up your post.  It's nice to read about the experience of another teacher.