What makes for a good (or a bad) student?

[carl-swanson]

I’m curious to hear from teachers about what they feel the best qualities are

that good students have.

[kimberly-rowe]

Carl:

Wow, you have opened a can of worms here! I can’t resist answering. I would say the

biggest contributing factor to being a good student is being prepared. I fully enjoy

working with students who might not be as naturally talented as others but are commited

to the harp and well prepared, versus students who are gifted musically but don’t practice.

I would also say that students who have interactive personalities, ask questions, and are

interested in the learning process are rewarding to teach. Conversely, students who just sit

there and expect you to do all the talking and turn them into great harpists by osmosis are

the ones whose lessons I dread.

Also I find students whose parents are fully invested in the harp experience to be more

enoyable to teach. Are the parents willing to bring the kid to all recitals and concerts, harp

ensemble get togethers, concerts where the kid isn’t playing but the teacher thinks it

would be good for them to attend, etc.? These are always the most enjoyble students

because they are interested in all aspects of the learning process, and naturally, they learn

faster.

And finally, it’s obvious when a student loves the harp. Anyone who naturally loves the

instrument, regardless of talent, is someone I enjoy being with and teaching. These

students are always more interested in every aspect of lessons and learning. They are the

ones who make you feel like what you are doing is worthwhile. Those who are apethetic

and uninterested are not fulfilling to teach.

Anyone else????

KIM

[unknown-user]

I have found the most difficult student to teach is one who seems unable to recognize their need to learn. Confidence is necessary for growth, but arrogance halts the learning process. Some research has indicated that a high degree of incompetence robs the individual of the ability to evaluate skill in themselves or others, leaving them unable to judge their own inadequacies. This can occur at different stages of learning. When a student is able to produce music on the same level they are able to perceive music, they can conclude that they have learned everything, knowing as much or more than the teacher. I have been working to devise strategies to help such students perceive themselves more accurately which is necessary for their continued growth. It requires humility to recognize our shortcomings and confidence to believe we can overcome them.

[Elizabeth Volpé Bligh]

I love students who are enthusiastic about learning. They are the ones who really take your

instructions to heart and show steady progress. When you give them a suggestion, their

eyes light up and they put it into practice with gusto. Of course, it’s always fun to teach

the talented ones who are natural musicians. But I enjoy a challenge if the student doesn’t

hit the ground running. Sometimes the ones who have to work the hardest end up as the

biggest successes. What they must have are: intelligence, self-discipline, passion, at least

SOME talent, respect for the teacher, and it’s nice if they have a sense of humour.

[carl-swanson]

I decided to stand on the sidelines and read the posts that were put up after

posing my original question.

[mr-s]

Hi Carl, i cant add more

[unknown-user]

Practicing. Making the harp a priority, taking a real interest in it. Respecting their teacher and implementing their suggestions.

[unknown-user]

Supportive parents.

[unknown-user]

A student who has an interest in music that is not limited to harp playing, a student who can grow and improve, who learns and absorbs from their teacher, (the best student is like a sponge), one who has determination, vision, stubborness when needed, a great ear and comprehension of music, time to practice; and parents who provide what’s needed without being intrusive, critical or judgemental (leave that to the teacher), who believe in culture and music and think it is important and worth prioritizingt, who realize it is a long process, and hopefully they might know some of the “right” people. Having some money helps, but the other qualities are the most important. Parents who don’t prioritize education or music, who are critical, judgemental, unwilling to learn and grow, cheap, competitive with their children, selfish, and what else can get in the way. It would be interesting if there was a show called Child Swap along with Wife Swap, except both concepts are kind of horrible.

On the other hand, the best teacher is inspiring, leading, understanding, sensitive, tough, demanding, realistic, and is knowledgable, artistic, with good taste and discrimination.

[unknown-user]

And really knows how to play and to teach it.

[Julietta Anne Rabens]

I was thinking about this thread and perhaps it is worth softening the terms “good” and “bad”. I have taught students from many different backgrounds from ages 5 to 75. I don’t think of any of them as “bad students”, although some were harder to reach than others. There are students who are naturally effective learners and others who struggle because of ability, attitudes, schedules, etc. I enjoy the bright student who practices and with whom you can see your efforts working right away, but in some ways the challenging ones make me learn more as a teacher. The best moments are when as a teacher I can find some way to help the student learn especially when it was difficult. I mentioned struggles with students who resist learning because they have been encouraged to think there is nothing left to know. I’ve learned a little about breaking through that mindset, but am still learning. The truth is that there are always reasons for the way people think and act. Compelling reasons. Understanding the world from inside their perspective is important to help them learn.

It is important to separate the value of the individual from their skill and performance. There are no “good” or “bad” students, but just people with various limitations who have good days and bad days, good years and bad years.

[Gianna Williams]

I found this discussion very interesting as a student, because I can see both bad and good in myself. Bad because I am overconfident (but how can I not be, everything sounds wonderful on the harp!) but I can also get very dejected if I get criticised. Bad because I have no family support (they all think I’m crazy to spend thousands on buying a pedal harp at my advanced age of 42). Good because I love the harp and I respect my teacher and I’m thrilled when a piece that has been difficult to learn comes together. And I love playing for people. I suppose it’s getting the balance right between those things, and being conscious of having to work at that balance. Anyway, thanks for the insight.

[Author]

Posts