For more advice and support for teaching class music or piano using the Kodály approach visit https://doremiconnect.co.uk/captivate

Do you wonder what on earth you can do when your students won't sing?

It's a frequently asked question inside Doremi Membership, for class teachers and instrumental teachers.

It's especially concerning for those of us who use a singing based approach to music education. I mean, what can we do if they won't sing?

In this episode I'm going to share my experiences and advice on how to deal with this in classroom music lessons, one-to-one piano lessons and also unbelievably in private singing lessons too!

Key points:

• Younger students might not even realise they aren't singing
• They can learn a lot just by listening and participating
• Choose a game involving part-work where the child who is "it" has to sing
• Even high schoolers who have opted for singing lessons can refuse to sing
• Anxiety plays a large part. They need to feel safe
• Don't pressurise them. Be patient and they will sing in the end