Motivation for You and Your Students (Collaborative Post)

In our recent survey, we asked Band Directors Talk Shop readers, “What helps you get through tough days/what is your why?” and “How do you motivate your students.” With many responses to the survey, we came up with this categorized list of your answers. Thanks so much to all of our readers who took time to fill out the survey. Keep an eye out for more Readers’ Collaborative Posts in the future.

WHAT GETS YOUR THROUGH TOUGH DAYS/WHAT IS YOUR WHY?

A compliment or positive word
Being able to practice my instrument and make music with other musicians when possible
Calming music or quiet time
Exercise and fitness
Going home to my family
Having fantastic coworkers!
I have found that after a tough day, a really good day is coming for me. I try to think of tough days as a productive struggle for everyone, including me.
I am always reminded that I still love teaching. I could do other stuff but it would not be as fulfilling as being a band director and teacher.
I have a “Smile File” of notes, drawing, cards, pictures, emails etc. from previous students, teacher friends, and administrators
that I pull out and read and look at when I am needing a little boost of enthusiasm and optimismKnowing that what I am doing is making a positive difference in my students’ lives.
Seeing students succeed and find happiness in their success. Also, seeing band students tell other students that band is awesome!
Seeing that one kid make a breakthrough on their instrument and living for those exciting moments where the band class as a whole does something really well together and they hear and feel the difference and want to keep that positive momentum going.
Teaching the students that they can do hard things and that they can love to do hard things!

HOW TO MOTIVATE YOUR STUDENTS

A lot of positive feedback, and a high-energy, focused classroom.
Award medals and ribbons for their marching uniforms or letter jackets
Band/Scale Karate
Band OlympicsCulture and a sense of community. “We’re in this together pursuing goal _____.”
Diverse lesson plans- keep the class moving and use different materials throughout the year
Encouraging student leadership through band officers/jobs
End of year field trips or class parties
Fun repertoire, themed concerts, letting the students choose the music they study/perform
Using older high school students as mentors and to encourage the younger middle school students
Performance opportunities outside of the regularly scheduled concerts (playing at nursing homes, caroling around the school, etc)
Teacher vs. band
Practice Bingo Sheets (see examples here)