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To use rewards or not use rewards for practicing; that is the question many parents and private music teachers ask themselves daily. You want music to be a positive experience instead of a nagging, ongoing, family feud! But you're not sure whether or not rewarding them is the right answer.
To tell you the truth, I'm not sure myself. I think the answer lies somewhere in the middle; finding a balance between rewarding and praising, letting the child choose for themselves, simply letting expectations be known, and developing consistency and good practice habits. Maybe there is a simple solution to help practicing time improve before rewarding even needs to take place.
As a teacher ask yourself these questions...
Do I use a good variety of music?
Is the music too advanced for them?
Is the music too easy for them?
When does this student thrive; performance, lessons, competitions, or group play?
When was the last time I threw them a curve ball, something they were not expecting?As a parent ask yourself these questions...
Do I complain about taking my student to their lessons?
Do I complain or criticize the student's teacher?
Do I praise my child when they are practicing?
How many times do I say something negative?
Do I show an interest and passion in my students playing?
Have I made an effort to create 'practice friendly' home?
Is my child so overwhelmed and over-involved with other activities and interests?
In answering these questions you might discover there is something you, as the parent or teacher, could change for the better. For example in my college elementary education classes we were taught over and over that for every one negative criticism or critique you give, you should also give two positive compliments and encouraging remarks.
In all of my research I have discovered that most child psychologist say that using rewards for practicing is okay when done correctly, and can oftentimes be a solution to your battles.
I also discovered that many of them believe the best method of rewarding is one where the student can see their progress, feel good about it, and gain the confidence and motivation to keep going. An example of this would be using a chart where they can record their success.
However there are some that say rewards for practicing could be counter-productive. "Research has repeatedly shown that the more you reward people for doing something, the more they tend to lose interest in whatever they had to do to get the reward," says Alfie Kohn, Ph.D., author of Punished by Rewards: The Trouble With Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes. To read more
click here.
The above article makes some really good points in defense of not rewarding and some ideas on how to implement alternative tactics to help motivate your student. Although it focuses on rewarding for school work the principles could be applied to learning an instrument.
On the other hand, here's a well written article that says you should reward children for good behavior. Check it out to read their ideas and why they say rewarding works. One downside to rewarding is that parents sometimes find themselves in a vicious cycle. For example one day your student does so well practicing you reward them. Another day they have no motivation or desire to practice and so you promise them a reward for finishing. Pretty soon they come to expect a reward every day.
Clair Lerner, LCSW, a child development specialist believes that rewarding is okay but that praise and making the child feel good about themself when they accomplish something should be the main mode of reward. When rewards are used "they should be logically connected to the behavior." Here is the link to her full article in Parents.com.
In answer to the original question, to use rewards or not use rewards for practicing, I guess there is no right or wrong answer and a lot of varying opinions. There are some specialist that say using correct rewarding is good and others that say absolutely never reward.
My belief is if you aren't going to use actual rewards, be prepared to make practicing fun and creatively mix it up on a regular basis. For some ideas to get you started check out Fun Motivaters and Practice Strategies. If you are going to use rewards for practicing, use in moderation and use rewards that have a logical connection to the behavior you are rewarding.
Please share your thoughts.
Do you think rewarding a student for practicing is a good idea? What strategies do you use to motivate your student?
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How do you make practice time consistent and meaningful? That's a question asked (at one time or another) by every parent, teacher, coach, and tutor!
Although ...