Don’t Forget the Adults: Why Grown-Up Students Deserve a Place in Your Studio
“Is it too late for me to learn?” That’s the most common question I get from adult learners.
Too often, adult students are overlooked or dismissed. Teachers may hesitate to take them on due to inconsistent practice, busy schedules, or irregular attendance. While it’s true that teaching adults requires flexibility, the rewards are worth it.
Adult learners bring intrinsic motivation, rich life experience, and a deep appreciation for the learning process. Many have dreamed of playing an instrument for years and are finally making time for themselves.
Here are a few ways to support and retain adult students:
Clarify their goals. Whether they want to play in a jazz trio or simply enjoy making music at home, understanding their “why” helps shape everything from repertoire to practice plans.
Create a personalized path. Adults thrive with a custom-built curriculum that honors their goals and interests, even if it means veering from traditional methods.
Honor their time. Encourage effective, bite-sized practice over long, unrealistic sessions. Progress can still happen in ten focused minutes a day.
Celebrate everything. Adults are often self-critical. Regularly acknowledge their growth and successes, no matter how small.
When we shift our mindset and teaching strategies, we create space for lifelong learners to flourish.
Many of my most meaningful teaching moments come from my adult students. They’re here because they want to be. That’s a gift.
Let’s welcome adult learners with open arms and open studios.
Photo of a woman playing the piano (Photo Credit: Lindsay Hite)
Catherine Sipher is a remote piano teacher at Blossom Piano Studio, located outside
Boston, MA, and author of Notes to Self: A Guided Mindful Practice Journal., With over
20 years of piano teaching experience, nothing brings her more joy than sharing the
beauty of music with her students. When not teaching, she can be found spending time
in nature, writing, practicing yoga, and enjoying time with her 6 children.