At the start of the school year, I made a trip to our local piano store. The owner of the store asked how my business was going. After I replied “busy,” he told to be thankful because not all teachers had the same response. That got me thinking…a lot. Why are some teachers struggling to keep or get students? What qualities should a teacher have to ensure students would continue lessons? I don’t think it is entirely dependent upon your knowledge of piano. Yes, you can know a whole lot about playing the piano and the literature there is to teach, but that won’t ensure students stick around.

Here is a little bit about me. I’ve been teaching piano for almost nine years. My studio has a range of new beginners and students I’ve been teaching for years. Out of about 40 students, I’ve been teaching most of them for 4-9 years. So you might ask… “How did you get lucky to have so many committed students?” I’d like to explore some attitudes that I think keep students committed to lessons.

1. Your students are your customers. Think about your favorite store. They cater to you. And when you have a problem, they are willing to help. We have to do that for our students. I have done many things that I didn’t necessarily want to do. I’ve taught pieces that I didn’t like, taught lessons at times that weren’t convenient for me, and driven long distances to hear students play in competitions. Making sacrifices for students will help them feel our commitment to them.
2. Flexibility. It is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that students have to cater to your schedule. But who will keep taking lessons with you if you can’t be accommodating? You do not have to make up every single student absence. I’m sure you have a great makeup policy in place. But wouldn’t it be lovely if you did a few for your students? I try to make-up lessons for students whenever possible. Most don’t ask for them, but if I can do a favor for them because a conflict came up, I will always try. Here are a few ways that you can make-up lessons for students. 
3. Attitude. Attitude is everything. When I see my students, I smile. And when I’m tired and maybe low on patience, I smile anyway. Having a positive attitude will keep people around you.
4. Listen. My students have become much more than students to me. I care about them and I listen to them. I noticed when my college piano teacher asked me how I was, she always listened and she wanted to hear more. She wasn’t looking for the one-worded “good” or fine” responses. She wanted to know more and it made me feel special. Sometimes I don’t even have to ask questions.. students will just want to tell me about their school project they are worried about or the great weekend they had. When that happens, I just listen! Developing a friendship with your students is important for keeping them committed to lessons with you.

Please comment and share your ideas for keeping students in your studio! I’d love to hear more ideas.

Lauren Lewandowski

Lauren teaches piano to students of all ages in New Orleans, LA. Teaching is her passion. She enjoys creating resources for her students and is the author of Ready for Theory®.

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