I thought I would share these questions I ask of my students usually presented all together as one document, but they could be asked in smaller units. (I hope they format well in PWF)

From: Betty Patnude Piano Studio 98374 – Puyallup, Washington
“Piano Power”

Questions…..All About Me!
NAME_____________________DATE__________
I am having lessons because
___I want to ___My parents want me to ___other reason _____________________

PRACTICING SCORE 1= NOT AT ALL 5= VERY MUCH
I like to practice hard new music 1 2 3 4 5
I like to practice easy new music 1 2 3 4 5
I like to polish music I am playing 1 2 3 4 5
I like to memorize 1 2 3 4 5
I like my parents to listen to me practice 1 2 3 4 5
I like my parents to help me practice 1 2 3 4 5
I like to practice technique and warm-ups 1 2 3 4 5
I like to practice sight-reading 1 2 3 4 5
I practice as much as I think I need to 1 2 3 4 5
I could find more time to practice if I wanted 1 2 3 4 5

PERFORMING SCORE 1= NOT AT ALL 5= VERY MUCH
I get nervous playing in group lessons 1 2 3 4 5
I get nervous playing in performance classes 1 2 3 4 5
I get nervous playing in recitals 1 2 3 4 5
I get nervous playing for auditions, festivals or contests 1 2 3 4 5
I get nervous playing accompaniments 1 2 3 4 5
I get nervous playing in ensembles 1 2 3 4 5
I get nervous playing duets 1 2 3 4 5
I like to perform on the piano for
___Myself ___Piano Studio Recitals ___School Talent ___Family
___WSMTA Recitals ___Church ___Friends ___Community Service ___Group Lessons ___Performance Classes ___Accompanying ___Duets

LISTENING SCORE 1= NOT AT ALL 5= VERY MUCH
I like to listen to current popular music 1 2 3 4 5
I like to listen to classical music 1 2 3 4 5
I like to listen to jazz 1 2 3 4 5
I like to listen to old popular music, musicals, standards 1 2 3 4 5
I like to listen to church music 1 2 3 4 5
I like to attend concerts 1 2 3 4 5
I like to read and study about composers and music history 1 2 3 4 5

THEORY
I like to do worksheets 1 2 3 4 5
I like to analyze music I play 1 2 3 4 5
I like to do keyboard theory, chords, scales, harmonize, transpose 1 2 3 4 5
I like to talk about and drill on theory in group lessons 1 2 3 4 5
I like to do theory on the computer 1 2 3 4 5
I like to do ear training 1 2 3 4 5
I like to improvise 1 2 3 4 5
I like to compose 1 2 3 4 5

What are you asked to do in your lessons that you think you should not have to do?

What are you asked to do in your lessons that you would like to do less of?

What would you like to do that you don't have a chance to do?

What would you like to do that you would like to do more of?

What are your favorite parts of piano lessons?


Please return this Questionnaire to your piano teacher.
The End

Betty, the first time performance was discussed with me as a parent, it was presented as an opportunity and a reward. What do you think of this:

I enjoy playing in group lessons 1 2 3 4 5
I enjoy playing in performance classes 1 2 3 4 5
I enjoy playing in recitals 1 2 3 4 5
I enjoy playing for auditions, festivals or contests 1 2 3 4 5
I enjoy playing accompaniments 1 2 3 4 5
I enjoy playing in ensembles 1 2 3 4 5
I enjoy playing duets 1 2 3 4 5

and those who get nervous can still indicate it, as well as the idea being planted in their heads that these things are enjoyable. Is it too wild an idea?

KS

Yes, yes, yes! Keystring you are terrific!

Positive is so much better! And, it comes across that way as a goal.

Actually my questionnaires are designed to find areas of weaknes to teach to, and setting reasonable goals to make progress with.

The 1's really get my attention the most. It is like a plea for help!

Thanks!

Betty

Nice list, BT! Certainly gives you some insight into the student's minds.

Other thoughts:

What would you like to accomplish this year?

What would you like to learn? (specific pieces)

What would you like to perform?
For whom, where?

Would you like to participate at....example:
* older people's facilities?
* your school?
* for family members at holidays?
list others

Do you wish to work with other:

student's/musicians?

Along the same line...
With family members?

With other instruments?

Would you enjoy duet work with students or teachers?

Just a few quickies...hope this adds to your questionaire.

It's nice to have input to other questions to ask - thanks Keystring and lilylady.

I want to assure you that kids and parents (I posted a parent questionnaire earlier this week) often do answer these questionnaires in detail.

I'm not sure what they learn from their answers, but I know I get a bigger and better picture of what they are all about after receiving their filled out questionnaire.

Betty

I think it is great....except the "I get nervous" part.

Mabey add..."my favorite piano player is___________.

H1