Judge students by their actions not words

Most call me an optimist but when it comes to students I assume the worst. Not in the sense of their ability or potential but in terms of their commitment. You only have to look at the statistics and you will see what I mean. For example 98% of people who go on diets to lose weight give up within 12 months and soon return to the original weight or worse. The same can be said about gym memberships and just about anything else that requires a daily commitment for life. I can say that in my early years of teaching my success with students was probably not much better but I was certainly not happy about it even if it was the accepted norm.


Guitar teachers are the rare exception
As guitar teachers we are obviously in the 2% of guitar students who stuck it out. We are not like most students. Something caused us to stick with it where most give up. I am sure like myself you had your moments but somehow you made it to that critical tipping point where giving up was no longer a consideration. Because of this very fact we can easily be over optimistic about our students. Where you are unlikely to question your commitment to guitar they probably do it on a weekly basis. Try stepping into their shoes for a moment. A good way to do this is to think about something that you have recently taken up. It might be a new fitness regime, a new band or even teaching guitar. If for example you are new to teaching guitar chances are you are questioning whether you are really cutout to be a teacher. This is how your students feel and when you can feel what they feel you will be more aware, better prepare and less likely to lose students.


Don't be fooled
Many students will roll up to their lesson looking motivated and keen to learn but this can be misleading so don't be fooled. The best way to avoid being fooled by their positive mask is firstly to look at what they do rather than what they say. In other words are they committed to their lessons and turn up on time every week usually a few minutes so they can warm up in your waiting room? Are they filling in their practice log with at least 30 minutes 5 days a week? When you are focusing on these indicators you will have a much more accurate picture and you can address the reasons why.


Our job as teachers
Our job is simply to teach students to play guitar. That is why they pay us and if they don't get results they will soon realise the lessons are a waste of time. Results will only come from committed practice so your highest priority is to ensure your students are practicing. 

1. 1. G4 GUITAR Teacher Network
   2. www.g4guitarmethod.com.au

      
      

      If you have any questions please contact me via the email below.
   5. Contact: My email address is g4guitar1@gmail.com

   g4guitar1@gmail.com