Parent-enforced lessons

[carrie10]

I hope someone can give me some advice!

I have a student who has been taking lessons since the summer.  His general attitude towards piano has wavered from negative to positive and back again.  His parents are requiring him to take at least 2 years of private instruction, but he says he hates it--yet he won't name any particular aspect of piano he hates (I've already tried altering repertoire, teaching approach, etc.). 

His parents have asked him if he wants to take a different instrument, but he says no.  This student seems to enjoy percussion (he's always drumming to himself), but doesn't want to take drum lessons.  The mother has said that this is just his general attitude toward everything; not just music.

SO. . .any ideas or suggestions?  I'll apparently be teaching this student for awhile longer, and want to make the experience more positive for both of us.  Any repertoire suggestions for making the lesson more percussive/rhythmic based?  I welcome any and all suggestions!

[j_menz]

I suspect it's not piano he hates, but having to do piano. Hence, a change of instrument, or a change of repertoire, isn't going to make much difference.

When he's being positive, I'd ask him what about it he's liking, and use that as a pointer to your future direction.