Repertoire is the backbone of everything in music lessons.

Your students chose to learn an instrument because they want to be able to play pieces.

But finding the right piece for the right student at the right time can be challenging.

“My students are bored with the pieces in their method books.”

“I want to include more contemporary music…Where do I start?”

“I’m tired of hearing the same pieces played at recitals. Where can I find more interesting repertoire?” 

We hear teachers ask these kinds of questions all the time.

So we’re digging into the five most common repertoire questions we’re asked, and sharing ideas and resources to help you out.

Table of Contents:

1. How Do I Choose The Right Repertoire?
2. How Do I Balance Classical, Pop, and Creative Activities?
3. How Do I Keep Students Motivated?
4. Where Do I Find Fresh, Inspiring Repertoire?
5. Where Do I Go After The Method Book?
6. TopMusicMag: Repertoire Remix

How Do I Choose The Right Repertoire?

“I like this piece. Other students have found it the perfect level for them. So why doesn’t Jess like it?”

No two students are the same.

And, sorry to tell you, just because you like a piece doesn’t mean your student will want to learn it.

The perfect piece needs to be achievable but challenging, enjoyable, and inspirational.

Ask yourself:

• What’s my student’s current skill level?
• Do they do better with structure or exploration?
• Are they needing to work on storytelling, rhythm, or mood?
• What’s their reason for learning? What are they wanting to achieve?

Listen to: Teach Repertoire Your Students Will Love and Learn From

How Do I Balance Classical, Pop, and Creative Activities?

Many teachers assume that when a student signs up for piano lessons, they want to learn Beethoven and Mozart. A teacher is only ‘legit’ if they teach Classical. Right?

Wrong.

Today’s students are yearning for a genre-balanced mix.

They want

• Pop songs, movie themes, musical theatre songs (because playing songs you know and love is a special feeling)
• Creative pieces (improvisation, lead sheets, composition opportunities)
• Classical works (to build technique and expand their musicality)

Watch: Are pop songs educational for piano students?

Try: TopMusicSheets – Our curated collection of creative and pedagogically sound repertoire

How Do I Keep Students Motivated When Working on Long or Challenging Pieces?

Even the most enthusiastic student can hit a wall when a piece gets hard. I’m sure you’ve been there yourself!

When you start to notice:

• Less practice
• Waning interest
• Procrastination

Give these ideas a try:

• Introduce a “just for fun” piece in parallel to break it up. Something short, a few levels easier than their “main” piece.
  Something they can play for fun, rather than for progress.
• Set short and achievable mini-goals
  Rather than focusing on finishing the entire piece, set small ‘checkpoints’
• Encourage student check-ins to reflect on their progress
  It’s easy to focus on what they need to do next. But take time to reflect on things they’ve done really well so far.

Read: 75 Pieces in One Year?!

Where Can I Find Fresh, Inspiring Repertoire?

If you feel like you’ve been teaching the same five pieces for years…you probably have.

Time for a refresh!

Try:

• Music by living composers
• Themed collections (film scores, nature-inspired, jazzy pieces)

You can find new music:

• By asking for recommendations in our free Facebook group
• Every month with TopMusicSheets
• PianoPronto
• Supersonics Piano

Where Do I Go After The Method Book?

Up to a certain point, you don’t have to worry about sourcing new pieces. The method books give it all to you.

But when a student finishes their final method book, it’s easy to feel a bit adrift.

What now?

Well, it’s time to start crafting a more personalised development for each student.

Ask them about:

• Their goals
• If they want to compose their own music
• Whether they’re interested in creating their own arrangements of their favourite songs (hello, lead sheets)
• If they’re looking for repertoire that they can perform in churches

Read: What To Teach Advanced Piano Students

Listen to: What Should I Play for Church?

Ready for more?

If you found these tips helpful, you’ll love the TopMusicMag: Repertoire Remix issue.

You’ll find:

• New Sounds for Your Studio (interviews with modern-day composers creating music your students will love to learn)
• Ideas for using existing pieces for creative activities
• Repertoire ideas for advancing pianists
• Whether rote teaching is cheating