Reshmi Patel • August 16, 2021
How to Ensure a Piano Student Feels Fulfilled in their Piano Lessons
In our latest Key Sounds UK Teacher Training Call, we discussed how we can ensure piano students are fulfilled in their piano journey.
We started off our discussion with exploring the student’s background. It is important for us as teachers to ask the students what they enjoy both inside and outside of piano lessons. This allows us to form a connection with them and for them to enjoy their classes with us, assuming they have a passion for the music later as well.
For both our younger and adult students we believed that the reason they wish to learn is important. There can be one reason such as: ‘I would love to play Circle of Life from the Lion King’ or perhaps just to use grasp all the transferrable skills which music has to offer for example: increase in self-esteem, consistency, and perseverance.
Regardless of the reason, it is important that we discover as early as possible in a student’s musical journey what truly excites them, from thereon we can then link our teaching to this element.
We then communicate with the student as to how they feel about our own teaching style and method. Although this may not be a verbal response, we can gage which method works for them based on their level of understanding too. Here is an article which may be useful for you to explore if you have the right teacher for you: https://www.keysoundsuk.com/how-to-find-your-perfect-piano-teacher
Finally, we explore the opportunities available to them and find out which skills they would like to make the most out of when they learn to play their instrument.
Opportunities available to students
1) Transferable skills - increase in self-esteem, consistency, and perseverance.
2) Performing – this could be at home or in a place of worship or a concert hall.
3) Expression – for personal fulfilment or to release personal emotions.
4) Exams – a structured way to learn a set of pieces and technical aspects of the instrument.
Since music has so much to offer It is completely normal for these to change over time! Therefore, we recommend the teacher and any accountability systems to be open to these changes and adjustments.
Remember that when you are trying out these hacks to look at them little and often but also be patient with yourself. If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to look around our website or connect with us directly!
As parents, it’s natural to wonder if your child is truly enjoying their piano lessons and moving in the right direction. The signs can be subtle, but once you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to support their musical journey with confidence. 1. Signs Your Child Is Enjoying Their Piano Lessons Children show enthusiasm in many small but meaningful ways: ● They sit at the piano without being reminded. ● They talk about their teacher, lessons, or favourite pieces. ● They hum or sing their music around the house. ● They experiment, “noodle,” or make up their own tunes. These are strong indicators that they feel good about their musical space. If you’re unsure or notice enjoyment fluctuating, feel free to contact us. We can always help reignite interest or refresh their lessons. 2. Signs of Healthy Musical Progress Progress doesn’t always look dramatic often, it’s steady and gradual. Look for: ● Pieces sounding smoother week by week ● Increased accuracy and confidence ● The ability to spot and fix mistakes ● More use of musical expression (dynamics, phrasing, emotion) Some families like to record a piece once a month to see growth. It's a lovely keepsake and a big motivator. But this is just one example; your child’s teacher may have a different method suited to their learning style. 3. When You Might Need to Look a Little Closer Not every dip indicates a problem but some patterns can be worth exploring: ● Reluctance to practise over a long period ● Boredom that lingers, not just for a week ● Frustration with pieces that seems overwhelming ● Wanting to skip lessons repeatedly These signs usually just mean a small adjustment is needed: a new piece, a different practice strategy, or a shift in pace. If you notice these happening, please reach out. We can help troubleshoot quickly, and often the solution is simple. 4. Ways to Support Enjoyment at Home Your role at home is powerful and small actions make a big difference. Try: ● Praising effort (“I love how you kept trying”), not just results ● Asking them to play a favourite section ● Keeping practice relaxed and predictable ● Making a positive space around the piano (no tension or pressure) If you ever need personalised practice ideas, we’re always happy to help. 5. Stay Connected With Us We want your child to thrive and feel proud of their progress. You can always: ● Ask questions during lessons ● Send us a message between lessons ● Request guidance on practice expectations ● Check in if something doesn’t seem quite right We’re on your team let us know how we can support your child’s musical journey.
Children don’t just grow physically - their attention span, emotional awareness, and confidence evolve too. As they move through different ages and stages, their piano learning naturally shifts. Understanding these changes helps you support their musical journey in a way that feels positive and achievable for everyone. Developmental Stages Young children (5-7 years) They learn through play, repetition, and imagination. Short bursts of focus are completely normal, and their progress often shows up in tiny steps that suddenly click all at once. Older children (8-11 years) They begin to take pride in independence and want to understand why things work. They can handle longer pieces and more complex rhythms. Pre-teens & teens This stage can be full of emotions, self-criticism, and identity-building. Music can become an expressive outlet and sometimes a place where perfectionism shows up. How you can help ● Adjust practice expectations as your child matures. ● Celebrate growth over speed. ● Be patient with the natural ups and downs. And remember: If you’re unsure what’s appropriate for their age, feel free to reach out to us we’re always happy to guide you. 2. Balancing Piano With Academic Pressures Schoolwork grows heavier as children get older, and it’s normal for motivation to shift during busy periods. Practice may not look the same during exam weeks and that’s completely okay. Supportive strategies: ● Keep practice short and focused when schedules are tight. ● Create a weekly routine that includes music, even in small doses. ● Let your teacher know when school gets especially intense. We can always adjust lesson content, repertoire, or expectations when we know what your child is juggling. You’re welcome to reach out anytime. 3. Supporting Emotional Ups and Downs Piano challenges students in ways that build resilience but frustration sometimes comes with the process. What helps: ● Validate their feelings (“That part is tricky!”). ● Celebrate their small wins children thrive on noticing their own progress. ● Introduce a “proud moment of the week” ritual. If emotional blocks persist, message us or mention it in lessons. Sometimes one small adjustment from the teacher can make a big difference. 4. Keeping Piano Fun and Personally Meaningful Children stay engaged when they connect with their music. Try adding: ● A piece they choose each term ● Music from films, games, or artists they love ● Creative tasks like composing or improvising ● Duets with siblings or parents If you’re ever unsure what repertoire would excite your child, ask us if we're happy to personalise suggestions. 5. Stay Connected With Your Teacher Piano progress is a partnership. As your child grows, their needs change and we’re here to support every stage. You can: ● Check in with us once a term ● Reach out between lessons with small questions ● Let us know about school stress, emotions, or changes at home We’re always here to help your child flourish at the piano.
Is piano really the best instrument to start my 6- or 7-year-old on? Piano is widely recognized as the most accessible first instrument for children, especially between ages 5–9, because it’s intuitive, builds transferable skills, and gives them confidence to explore music further. Here’s why we believe piano to be the first best instrument to start learning on: Visual and logical layout: The keys are arranged in a way that makes learning notes and patterns simple for children. Unlike string instruments, kids don’t need to worry about tuning or finger placement precision right away. Gentle on small hands: Pressing keys is easier than stretching tiny fingers around guitar frets or violin strings. Instant sound success: Children can play simple songs from day one, which keeps motivation high. Actionable tips we recommend to parents: Find the right teacher: Look for someone who specializes in young beginners and uses games, movement, and creativity alongside note reading. Choose the right instrument: We are happy to recommend where you can buy these from but in short, a full-size digital piano with weighted keys is often better than a small keyboard as this builds strength and mobility in the fingers. Set up a practice routine: Start with 5 minutes a day, same time each day (after homework or before bedtime works well). Keep it fun: Ask your teacher about duets, familiar songs, or apps that turn practice into a game. If you’d like to find out more contact us using our form: www.keysoundsuk.com/book-class
