“But I Don’t Want to Practice!”

Your first year as a teacher, you might hear comments like, “My kid doesn’t have time to practice as much as you’re asking,” “I don’t want to wear that uniform!” or “We can’t do 5 concerts a year!”

Some complaints may result from the fact that today’s students are stretched thin between many extracurriculars, putting pressure on them and their parents. These kinds of complaints sound familiar to MENC member David W.K. Johnson.

In response, Johnson says, “I do my best to eliminate as many reasons for kids leaving the program as I possibly can.” His handbook suggests that students practice at least 5 times a week for at least the same number of minutes as their age, but that comes with a reminder that efficiency is most important, not the number of minutes practiced (click here for suggestions for efficient practice from NewsLink). Being somewhat flexible to student needs and schedules may be worthwhile if it means better retention for your program.

When parent complaints arise, Johnson views them as “an opportunity to solve a problem.” Rather than an e-mail response, he recommends always calling or offering to make an appointment to talk face-to-face with parents. Those who have a legitimate concern and truly want to make the program better will follow through on this offer.

When it comes to dealing with parents, “Put things in terms of the students. Explain that you are there for their child, and you want their child to be successful,” member Ari Contzius says. Other techniques that may help during a parent conference are looking for the source of the complaint, letting the parent do the majority of the talking, and being a good listener.

David W.K. Johnson is director of instrumental music in the Williams Bay School District of Williams Bay, WI.

Ari Contzius is wind ensemble director at Washingtonville High School in Washingtonville, NY. His Web site provides resources for fellow teachers.

References

Spotlight on Transition to Teaching Music (2004). Reston, VA: MENC.

--Anne Wagener, May 12, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education