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Character with piano as head
Illustration: Lo Cole/The Guardian
Illustration: Lo Cole/The Guardian

What I’m really thinking: the private music teacher

This article is more than 8 years old

When a child does not practise and cannot remember note names or values week after week, my heart clenches in despair

Teaching music can be a joy. Any occupation which incorporates a passion provides personal satisfaction, and watching one’s pupils grow and develop in musicianship over the years is a wonderful thing.

So when a child – and it is usually a child – does not practise, cannot remember note names or values week after blessed week, despite every didactic trick I have up my sleeve, my heart clenches in despair.

Are they really so uninterested? If so, why bother? Are they lacking in talent? Not everyone can make it as a concert violinist or pianist, but I can help them find pleasure and enjoyment in their music if they would only put in some effort.

Often parents seek vicarious satisfaction through their child because they regret giving up an instrument when they were young. Sometimes they push their children into music study to get into a good school. I have been asked to lie to a prospective head teacher about a child’s talent (what talent?) and achievements (none!), which I adamantly refused to do.

All I ask of a child (adults are more motivated) is to set aside 10 minutes a day for music practice. But a child also needs to be encouraged, cajoled, praised and rewarded, because at seven years of age he or she cannot be expected to remember to practise every day.

So come on, parents – stop throwing away your hard-earned cash; cease wasting everyone’s time and take responsibility. Everyone will be so much happier and the rewards will be great for us all.

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