Some teaching materials will help a lot. The Do-It-Yourself stuff with a good mix of colour and graphics always does a good job to get their attention. Multi-sensory stimulation and a curious mind will help draw students closer to music.

One day, your smart student tells you – “ I’m not going to practice for your homework.”, what will you do?

This could happen to an average child whose time is so packed with activities. Why don’t I choose his favorite music piece for him to play and to get the extra learning benefit of techniques in that piece? I believe once he has the interest, he will gradually pick up more practices and have the drive to do better.

Parents’ approval does have a role to play too. Tell your child you love so much listening to the music he is playing, and invite him to play a few more times for you. These are magic words to cheer up a child.