Keeping Music Lessons fresh fun and stress free

[Meanderer]

My 15yo has stopped enjoying piano lessons (at school) bcs of the pressure and stress of school based lessons and exams. Vicious cycle of lack of enjoying practice, so less practice, so more stress.She was about take Grade 4 but Covid-19 got in the way. She would still love to improve and to develop her skillz. She enjoys composition and has written a couple of songs. She’s doing GCSE but her instrument is voice. Also learning Harp (grade 3 I think?), still enjoying those lessons. Plus plays guitar/Uke for fun. Has eclectic and excellent musical tastes.. any recommendations please? Self teach? Is there a different non ABRSM style of teaching, more relaxed/contemporary/collaborative? Also - What is the point of scales? I think I sort of know but not being a pianist myself, my argument isn’t very persuasive

Ps we are skint (see ‘harp’! Above) so self taught is deffo of interest if there was something to give her some structure ...

She might enjoy the Trinity syllabus more. It has more contemporary/jazz based pieces, and there is the option to do technical studies instead of scales. (And can include improvisation/composition).

Other than that, there is a wealth of resources on the internet. Open Learning courses if she wants something structured, or just YouTube videos about how to play your favourite pop song etc. Have an explore.

Thanks! I've heard of Trinity, sounds interesting - how would I find a teacher that offers this, or can it be done online?

Will also look at Open Learning - thank you.

Most piano teachers will offer both ABRSM and Trinity- just ask.
It has been interesting to see the differences between the two as my children get higher up the grades.

Have a look at the ABRSM jazz piano stuff and also try some improvisation (loads of things on line). Hate to say it but scales are still incredibly useful even if she moves away from traditional routes!

captain yes i know that but I don't know how to explain why?! I've tried to but she doesn't get it (or probably doesn't WANT to!) I said i heard a musician say it gives them a broader pallette and makes them more creative.. she's like 'whevs mum'

sorry tired - I mean, first of all thank you! and secondly I do get that about scales - just don't know how to get her to get that. Her teacher is quite old fashioned and just makes them sound like a duty and a burden, rather than an opportunity..

Hi Meander, I often suggest that students listen to a piece of music they really like and try and find the notes / succession of notes that they are hearing and try and play along. It's really hard at first but it's amazing how quickly you get better! Improvisation is so useful - if she is fed up with formal learning suggest she loses the music for a while. Can give you some more tips if you want - just PM me. Good luck!!!

Ah thanks @captainoftheshipwreck ! I bought her some alternative grade 5 piano books - the Trinity Syllabus and a couple of others with contemporary/ jazz type pieces (eg Take Five) and she really likes the look of them.. and yes she already likes to workout favourite pop songs on the piano (Nick Cave, Portishead and Lana del Rey current faves!) But / so yes what you suggest sounds like where she found herself going.. I guess I’m hoping she can ‘let go’ of the idea that informal learning is still learning and stop putting so much pressure on herself. I appreciate your offer and will pm you if she’s interested in exploring a different approach thank you so much.

No worries meanderer - it's so sad when kids give up music because of the pressure to pass grades. You can actually go all the way through the grades and still find it hard to play outside the actual music and there is so much enjoyment in sitting down at the piano and just playing something you have just heard! The trick is to encourage creativity while attempting to carry on developing the actual building blocks (e.g. scales, learning to play in different keys etc) which will ultimately help you become a musician. My instruments are flute and piano so happy to help if you want