Magdalena, when I teach I try to make music as fun and enjoyable as possible. I choose popular songs that also teach techniques, rhythms, etc. I play along with my students. We have fun and laugh.

Some teachers are very formal or strict and that can make learning feel like a chore. I couldn’t teach that way. My students learn because they want to and they enjoy it. I still push them and have high expectations. But I encourage more than discourage. I explain the reality of practicing. If you practice, you improve. If you don’t practice, you don’t improve. Those who don’t practice usually don’t last long.

The best motivation is increasing skill and enjoyment. If you enjoy playing your instrument, practice comes naturally through playing. You need to find music you enjoy and want to play and then work towards that goal. That is the best practicing.