Playing music that students have learned previously can be a great source of motivation and enjoyment. To create more music-making opportunities, ask students to keep a list of favorite pieces they already know to be played often throughout the week. Try beginning and ending each lesson with one or two of these favorite pieces. Although the pressure to cover material and complete activities is always present in each lesson, taking time in the lesson to hear pieces that evidence a student's musical progress can serve as a great motivating factor, letting the student know the music they spent time practicing is worthy of hearing time and again. A second measure of one's teaching effectiveness could be the amount of enthusiasm shown during a lesson as it relates to the student's progress and the student's music.
Enthusiasm is contagious.
On the other hand, so is apathy and lethargy. Listening for appropriate, yet distinctive musical qualities in each student's performance requires constant attention. Maintaining enthusiasm and delight about each student's progress requires tireless energy. Since the demonstration of enthusiasm is closely connected to our verbal and physical modes of communication, try the following suggestions to increase you level of enthusiastic responses. Consider changing your facial expression, tone of voice, and physical stance to also reflect the style of the work.