MOTIVATION: Creative Ways to Encourage Proper Preparation, and Productive Practice Techniques that Lead to a Polished Performance

So how often have you heard a performance and went WOW!! Is it really all about talent or was there some incredible teaching that also happened? In this lecture, I will share my ideas on how to create these amazing performances by PROPER PREPARATION of the piece, teaching students how to PRACTICE efficiently, and ultimately learn how to POLISH pieces that result in a truly artistic performance. This workshop will help teachers develop motivational strategies for dealing with students of all ages and levels. We will discuss philosophical and pedagogical approaches that are effective as well as fun!! Factors and challenges that effect productive and enjoyable practice, such as student learning styles and the pros and cons of parental involvement will also be discussed. In addition, we will address how to keep students motivated by designing goal-oriented varied practice assignments and provide useful memory strategies to avoid those dreaded "memory slips." This session will include music from Early Intermediate through Advanced.