If you’re anything like me, you may like to have a step-by-step plan for how you’re going to get from Point A to Point B. But the problem is that with bigger goals, those steps aren’t always clear. Those steps aren’t always possible to know in advance – especially if you’re trying something new (like learning piano!).

Not knowing your way can then lead to some stress and panic – feelings we don’t want anywhere near our piano! So what do we do?

It’s really common for piano teachers to use rewards (like stickers, points, and earning game time) to build positive feelings after a student has achieved something on the piano. Generally the hope is that the positive feedback loop teaches that good feelings are associated with piano lessons.

But notice the direction of those good feelings. When the good feelings follow the reward, lessons start with hard work and good feelings follow. I think this is backwards. In my experience, if piano lessons start with good feelings, the hard work naturally follows without any need for external motivators.

Whether you are new to piano or have studied for several years,

Whether you are studying with me or not,

Here is my wish for you:

Kids love attention when they’re learning and practicing piano! But sometimes it can be hard for a parent to know how to encourage their child, especially if they don’t know how to play piano themselves. You can only say “Good job!” so many times before you wish you could give them a little more.

I think most adults are familiar with the connection between having an intrinsic source of motivation and being able to stick to a task when the going gets tough. Usually, the intrinsic motivation stems from the reward we know is ahead with just a little bit of grit and determination.

But how do you teach this idea to kids? Because kids are young, most haven’t experienced the payoff that comes with hard work. So how do we encourage them to stay motivated before they even understand its value?