Incentives
Regular, consistent practice is probably the most important key to progress in piano study. In order to encourage my students to practice regularly, and to reward good habits rather than to plead, nag, or scold for less desirable ones, I have established a set of incentives with "Diligence Dollars", as follows:
| For scales, chords/cadences, arpeggios, etc., done accurately | 1 D$ |
| For all written work completed when assigned, e.g., theory | 1 D$ |
| For practicing at least 5 days of the week | 1 D$ |
| For achieving assigned practice goals (See below) | 1 D$ |
| For bringing all books and materials | 1 D$ |
| For writing out the assigned Bible verse. [I am not punishing anyone who chooses, for any reason, not to do this. This is an optional but rewarded item.] | 1 D$ |
| For payment at lesson (or in advance) | 1 D$ |
| For adequate preparation of On Your Own | 1 D$ |
| For assigned memorization--1st time | 1 D$ |
| One month later, still memorized and improved | 3 D$s |
| For attending a concert | 1 D$ |
| For completing the puzzles and quizzes in Piano Explorer magazine | 1 D$ |
| For listening to classical music and writing a report | 1 D$ |
| For extra practice, extra theory, especially difficult sections, etc. | 1-3 D$s |
| For creative composing or improvising | 1 D$ |
| For performance | 1-2 D$s |
My "store" of prizes will be open about once a month, when students can use their Diligence Dollars to purchase a variety of items. Or they may choose to save their Diligence Dollars for gift cards/certificates.
PRACTICE GOALS -- Students are asked to log their practice days on the assignment page. Students are encouraged to strive for quality rather than quantity of time spent. Recurring weeks of not meeting the goals may require an interview to determine the commitment of parents and student.
If you have any questions, please contact me by phone or email. I'm always ready to discuss any concerns you have concerning your child's musical development.
TROPHIES
In addition to the above weekly incentives, students can earn trophies which are awarded at the Spring Recital and Awards Program. These requirements are motivational tools for musical advancement and will encourage the students to broaden their musical knowledge and skills.
In order to be eligible for a trophy, students must meet all of the following prerequisites:
- Be enrolled prior to December 1, 2021
- Consistently meet the goals for their weekly practice
- Learn assigned pieces in a reasonable length of time, depending on the difficulty of the pieces and the skill of the student. Complete the Thirty-piece Challenge
- Prepare a written report about a composer or other musical subject decided upon by the student and the teacher, due by January 15, 2022.
- Attend at least 1 musical event and bring a program to show attendance.
- Participate in fall and/or spring recital, with a solo and a duet or ensemble
- Participate in the National Piano Guild Auditions.
- Complete by April 1, 2022, at least 3 of the following musicianship phases according to the standard for various levels set by the Piano Guild, but not necessarily to be done at Guild Auditions.
- Scales
- Chords and Cadences
- Arpeggios
- Ear Training
- Transposing or Improvising
- Sight Reading
