By Peggy L’Hoir, SRMTA Member
QUESTION:
Student retention is a constant battle. What are some tips about keeping students in for the “long haul”?
Having taught for many decades, I have found student retention to be a challenge that keeps my studio in a constant state of renewal, rejuvenation and revitalization.
Combined with the idea of building supportive teams at the family, studio and community level, a culture is created where the student feels supported, seen, accountable and valued.
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Catalyzing and nurturing a student/parent/teacher team is essential to reach musical goals.
This team is “all in” for supporting the student on their journey. Having this team in place helps the teacher to create weekly goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely.
Annual meetings with student/parent/teacher allow time to discuss expectations, goals, concerns, studio events and upcoming holidays. These meetings build commitment to the team. Similar to when you sign up for dance or hockey, discussion evolves around the essential need for parent involvement, regular practise, and the reslilience during the practise process.
This wrapped in the knowledge that we are a team – student/parent/teacher – creates an open dialogue for problem solving and building open communication.
Communication is essential throughout the year as well. A simple recording of lovely performance at a lesson, or a duet with the teacher encourages and enlightens the parent. Team communication is an essential tool when solutions to challenges are being sought.
Acknowledgement of what was once a challenge and now is easy, is a great way for the student/parent/teacher to celebrate the learning journey. This also acts as a tool of empowerment when new learning challenges are approached.
Conversations about the power of yet and a growth mindset (belief that mistakes are how we learn and knowing how to accept feedback) are essential to the student/parent/teacher team. There is always much to learn on the musical journey and with everyone in alignment with this belief, there will be much success.
Encouraging in home performance/videos/ recordings for family and friends creates a “Fan Club” for the student, while also establishing a comfortable performance space that is focussed more on sharing musical joy than perfection or evaluation.
No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it. – H.E. Leacock
At the studio level, it is challenging, yet rewarding, to create achievable, measurable incentives where everyone can work on their own personal goals in a timely manner. Creating group incentives to celebrate these personal goals gives the feeling of team. Gathering together to go to a concert, give a concert, have a piano party or busk deepens the feeling of camaraderie, support and accountability to the studio community.
Gathering students regularly in the studio to learn about other aspects of music (composer lives, orchestral instruments, music appreciation, etc), to perform for each other (sharing affirmation and tips), to interview older/past students, or to make music together, builds a bond of belonging to a community where every musician is important. These events can have added value by inviting older students to interact with younger students resulting in mentorship, role modelling and an expanded community.
“Knowledge is power, community is strength and positive attitude is everything” – Lance Armstrong
Building a feeling of community out of the studio and home is another key to student retention. As others perceive the student as a musician, the student will feel that they are indeed a musician, not just a piano playing student.
The traditional community events of exams, festivals and recitals are helpful in providing opportunities for students to get community recognition. My favourite is the CNCM Music for Everyone Exam where students play a recital, make programs, as well as hand them out to their audience. The student acts as the host. Students are allowed to invite as many “fans” as they wish. The affirming applause is life giving and nurturing, leading to easy retention.
Multi studio events (composer birthday parties, outdoor performances, background music in a store, busking) can expand the sense of a larger community.
Being able to play O Canada and Happy Birthday without music are essential goals for the community musician. Accompanying groups or soloists, playing in church, and helping out at other music events expand an empowering community.
Creating communities that see and acknowledge our young people as musicians, nurtures a sense of belonging that will empower and strengthen musical commitment.
“If we teach today’s students, like we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” – John Dewey
As a teacher, creating diverse, dynamic learning and performing opportunities at the levels of family/studio/community, are powerful retention tools for our studios. Engage, enthuse, educate…..and remember, HAVE FUN!
