Comments on: Adult Beginners- What You Need to Know

By: Stengel99

Stengel99 — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:19:20 +0000

It’s always reassuring to read about the experiences of other teachers when they parallel your own. I’ve had some bad experiences with adults as well; last-minute cancellations, lack of reasonable progress, etc. I’m not sure I would ever go as far as declining to work with an adult student, but I certainly won’t bend over backwards or alter my teaching schedule to make room for a new adult.

By: Fiona

Fiona — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:47:11 +0000

I like the above comment about committing to 10 weeks, and paying for that. Two of the adults I teach can’t manage to do that, but they are reliable. In future I think I’ll ask adults (after explaining that yes they will need to practise etc) to pay for a term up-front and if they’re not having fun at the end of the term, they can feel free to quit, no questions asked. If I don’t think they’ve been practising enough, then I will feel free at that point to say so and ask them to seriously consider continuing. I’d rather lose a student that have both of us being miserable. Also I won’t be taking any fortnightly students – it’s weekly or not at all.

The adults I’ve taught who are having fun don’t mind how easy-peasy the pieces are, they are thrilled to be playing anything. (The other ones are too busy making excuses for why they haven’t practised yet again.) I have one lovely adult student who used to thank me over and over for the first year or so because she was just so happy to be playing the piano at last – a dream student!

By: sfrack

sfrack — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:40:34 +0000

I can understand the frustration. So to let an adult student know my dedication I tell them that payment is due at the beginning of a 10 week session- no make ups offered. That way the student takes it a bit more seriously.

As their teacher, however, I have to appreciate the giant step they are taking to try something new or something they are revisiting. I have to keep in mind that the process will tax their brain more than if they were a child, and therefore, I have to bring a great sense of humor and relaxation to the setting. I will have to teach them to laugh at themselves but also know how admirable they are for enrolling in lessons. I have to realize that any progress is a celebration. Adults have jobs, families, and households to run. I applaud them for extending themselves. At this point in their lives, lessons should be fun. They’ve earned it.

By: Atara

Atara — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:37:58 +0000

One of my friends told me that she noticed the adults who wanted to play classical music had a better handle on what it would take to really learn to play. She found those who called and asked, “How long until I can play for church?” “How long until I play like Norah Jones?” to be unrealistic and usually quit.

By: Angela Bowles

Angela Bowles — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:16:53 +0000

It is difficult to teach adult students, it really is. I teach a young Mother right now, and I am taking on a man that just wants to learn theory. The mom often tells me she does not practice, and of course, I can tell. I am sure she is buy, but at the same time, I want to just grab her by the shoulders, and say just what you said above! Good luck with those students! They’ve got to be the toughest ones out there!