How to Keep Intermediate Piano Students Interested in Piano Lessons

Nowadays, children are so overscheduled with various activities that they hardly have time to live. Finding an appropriate repertoire that fits into their busy lives and keeps them interested in piano lessons is challenging, especially for intermediate-level students.

The time of elementary lessons, when students were exposed to music concepts and mastered pieces in a week, is behind. Therefore, pieces become longer and more challenging. The concepts require exceptional technical, aural, and reading skills. Sometimes, students work on pieces for months and have to pay attention to much greater detail. That is why finding a way to keep intermediate students engaged in their piano study is crucial.

Tailor and Prepare

The needs of each student are unique. Choose the repertoire according to their learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. Know what appeals to the student, how fast they learn, how their retention is, and their level of commitment. All that helps to put together a sustainable learning plan and eliminate stress and frustration.

New Your Weapons

There are quite a few pieces in each grade that can be lifesavers for teachers and game-changers for students. Firstly, the pieces that sound mature and complicated are easy to learn due to their sectional structure, substantially patterned texture, length, and not-overwhelming technical complexity.

The next category includes pieces that, due to their romantic and sensitive nature, are loved and learned by everyone.

Lastly, the RCM etudes are a great resource. You find short, easy and quick-to-learn pieces that do not sound like boring training exercises.

20 Intermediate Piano Repertoire Pieces can be found HERE:

Make Music Matter

Keeping students motivated and engaged is almost impossible if they do not love music. Giving them inspiration, packing lessons with fun activities, and teaching them historical and theoretical concepts—what can be better than lessons filled with positive and constructive feedback? Lessons brimmed with different music, such as classical, contemporary, and pop, will instill continuing lifelong relationships with the piano.

More teaching tips on how to inspire and motivate piano students HERE

Last Thought

Remember that repertoire selection should be based on each student’s individual taste. Understand the primary area of difficulties and advanced preparation plan. This will secure sufficient interest and promote healthy engagement in piano learning.