I have a student who is incredibly outspoken.  So it amazes me that when he plays, he timidly touches the keys.  He knows his notes incredibly well, but for some reason, he just has a hard time with dynamics.  Because he loves to joke around, I tried this silly tactic with him the last time his dynamics were tuckering out. 

While he played, I pretended to snore.  This got his attention really quick and he asked me what I was doing.  I explained that he was hitting every note correctly, but his dynamics were so boring, they were putting me to sleep!  He thought that was really funny and then proceeded to exaggerate his dynamics for the rest of the lesson.  I didn’t mind exaggerated dynamics- I was just happy to have any at all!

While this was a success with this particular student, I think I would only actually use this tactic with one or two of my students.  I know some of my students are a little too sensitive to joke around in that way. 

Do you have any tips for helping beginners play dynamics better?