The Last Lesson
Students move, transfer, or sometimes just quit. What do we do at that last lesson?
I guess it all depends on why they are leaving. I try to be positive when they are transferring to a new teacher. Sometimes the transfer is recommended by me. Other times, the transfer is because their family is moving to a new place. Either way, I review past repertoire with them to let them see how much was accomplished. They are also reminded of awards they have earned and recitals they have participated in. I always end with an open invitation for them to drop by anytime to visit and let me know how they are doing with their new teacher. Over the years, many students have done just that and I always ask them to play something for me when they do. It’s great…a definite perk in the life of a piano teacher to see how old students are progressing.
When a student decides to terminate lessons because they just don’t like them, then that last lesson can feel like a big waste of time. What do we do? Yes, parents have paid for the lesson and should get their money’s worth, but with no future goals to work towards, it’s kind of a dead end. I still try to be positive and tell them how much I have enjoyed teaching them. Sometimes I encourage them to keep up with some sort of music even if they don’t want it to be the piano. Perhaps joining their school choir or band and switching to an instrument they can enjoy would be a better route than just quitting music altogether. Teachers are, after all, ambassadors of music. That last lesson could be one last influence towards keeping a child interested in music.
What do you do when teaching that last lesson? Leave a comment and let everyone know.
Thank you for posting this, I have the hardest time on that last lesson. The student usually doesn’t have a good attitude about it, and it’s hard to keep my spirits up.
What great advice! As always, thanks for the help. I usually offer the student to drop by sometime too, and it\\\’s great to see them again.
I just had a student tell me the other day at the beginning of her lesson that it would be her last. Oh great! I didn’t even have time to prepare for it. Then I remembered this post and reread it real quick while she was doing her technic. It was a nice review for me, I’m so glad I thought about it!
After asking the original question, I made up this form to print out at last lessons. I gave a few websites for students to find music or reviewing theory, the phone number and address of our local music store and listed their favorite repertoire by name and book so they can find their favorites quickly if they every want to sit down and play.
I would love to see what else others might add to my list
Last Lesson Sheet
For reviewing musical theory, notes, etc.
http://www.musictheory.net/
For new sheet music
http://musicnotes.com/
http://8notes.com/
Or just Google \\\’free piano sheet music\\\’
Local Music Store
Repertoire List
Song Name Book Name Page #
I just wanted to add to what you’ve said, that when it’s a student’s last lesson I usually give them something easy for theory. I know they aren’t too thrilled about doing “work” on their last day, so I make sure it is something enjoyable. Lately I’ve been using the composer puzzles on the piano morning site. My student’s like those. Anyway, I’d recommend others trying that too!
I used to just review with my students on that last lesson, but a few years ago I decided to give them one more song to learn, even though they wouldn’t be coming back to pass it off. It gives me hope that they might stick with the piano, even if they aren’t sticking with lessons.
I’ll also give them a few pointers on learning songs on their own, and let them know that just because they aren’t taking lessons, doesn’t mean they have to give up on the piano altogether. I tell them how important of a resource it has been in my life to know how to play the piano, and hope it can do the same for them.
It’s a nice review…it also keep my spirit up…now, i know how to keep my students enjoying the lessons…once again…it’s a brilliant advice..cheers!!!