When my students are trying to decide which song to learn next, I offer as much guidance as possible. However, I know that this can be an overwhelming decision that’s ultimately up to the students. Choosing a new song is the same regardless of what instrument you play.
Is it possible to learn this song now?
Some students find it easier to learn more complex songs, while others may be more successful starting out with simpler melodies. It’s important for students to have confidence in their abilities and not get frustrated if they can’t play songs that are more elaborate. I welcome and encourage my students to challenge themselves, but it needs to be done properly.
Do you think this song is too easy?
One of the benefits of learning new songs is that they can be learned more quickly. This allows students to explore different challenges and keep their skills sharp. However, if they become too comfortable with a certain difficulty level, it can be hard for them to learn anything even slightly more challenging.
Whenever possible, I encourage my students to choose songs that will require patience, both from them and from the song. It’s much more satisfying to learn a song that requires effort rather than one that can be played without effort.
What is the theory behind this song?
My favorite part of teaching music is watching my students become more confident in their music theory knowledge. Students previously limited themselves to playing songs in C major and 4/4 time are now capable of playing more complex keys and time signatures. I make sure that they are able to smoothly transition into each level of theory difficulty, especially when changing keys and times. When students are shocked at the number of sharps and flats in a song, I know they aren’t ready.
How does this song relate to the skills I’m currently learning?
The goal is not to make my students feel like they are haphazardly going through different types of songs without rhyme or reason. It helps to find songs that keep the new skills in your hands when you are learning new skills, such as two-handed voicings or faster chord changes. It’s time to move on to learning new skills once these are effectively mastered.
What do I think of this song?
It can be significantly harder to muster up enthusiasm for a song you don’t care for. While you might not absolutely love every song that you need to learn, I think it’s perfectly fine to pass on a song that you don’t at least like. If a song makes a student cringe from the first measure, I know that it’s going to be an uphill battle to get it mastered. Instead, I look for songs that are similar in terms of difficulty and music development but are more to their liking. I want music to be something that my students embrace, not something that becomes a crushing obligation.
Would I be willing to put in the effort?
Many of my students have difficulty with discipline when learning a new song. Sometimes, they’ll have so much enthusiasm for a new song, but they’ll get flustered by a certain phrasing and have trouble seeing the song through to completion. Other times, they’ll procrastinate and try to learn an entire song in an evening, producing unsatisfactory results.
As a teacher, I’m not going to be able to force my students to learn a new song. That is ultimately on them. If you know that you won’t be able to work on a song like you need to, it’s important to let your instructor know.
Which parts of this song are easiest/hardest?
In order to learn a song, it doesn’t have to be “easy” or “hard.” Instead, it must contain both easy-to-play parts as well as challenging ones. It is not that they are difficult, it is just that they require a bit more conscientious effort when I say “more challenging.” In addition, I want my students to avoid being sloppy with their skills and rushing through the easier parts.
Also Read: 20 Most Common Songwriting Problems Music Artists Have and The Solution
How will I learn this song?
In my opinion, it’s best to take a methodical approach to learn a new song. If a student tries to learn a song all at once, they’ll have trouble. A song should be pretty straightforward to separate into different parts. As long as a certain motif is prominent in the first few measures, students should focus on those measures first. Once they have mastered each measure, they can move on to the next measure.
Is this going to take me a long time to learn?
Don’t want my students to ever feel like they have to rush through learning a song. Instead, it should be a gradual, enjoyable process. When you’re learning a new song, you should ask yourself how long, at a minimum, it will take for you to learn. This factors in how much time you’ll spend practicing it each day and what aspects might be the most challenging. It’s perfectly fine to be a couple of days off your targeted completion date, but don’t wildly overestimate your ability to learn a song in a relatively short window of time
In addition to developing talent, my students’ confidence grows, which makes playing music such an enjoyable experience. My job as a teacher is to provide them with the training they need to decide which songs they should learn next. Sometimes, I am surprised by the speed at which they can adapt to songs that may have seemed too challenging in the past.
If you’re struggling to decide which song to learn next, remember there’s no hurry to prove yourself. Work with your teachers and develop your skills naturally.
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