Types of Goals Every Piano Student Should Have (Make Progress Feel Like Magic!)

Hello again, teachers! I’m back with Part 2 of our goal-setting series. We are going into the New Year with new ideas for the studio. Last week, we talked about why setting goals for piano students is pure studio gold – aligning everyone, boosting ownership, and adding that extra spark. If you missed it, catch up on Part 1.

Today, let’s get practical: what kinds of goals actually work? I’ve broken them down into clear categories I use in my own studio, with real examples that keep students excited and parents nodding along. The beauty? These types of goals mix teacher guidance with student dreams, creating a perfect balance of structure and joy.

I’ve found a great balance between three different categories of student goals: teacher-set, student-chosen, and collaborative goals.

Teacher-Set Skill Goals

These are the building blocks I choose to make sure foundations are rock solid. Examples:

“Master all notes in Middle C Position this semester.”
“Play hands-together scales smoothly in C and G major.”

They give me control over technique while feeling achievable – perfect for beginners or students needing clear direction.

Student-Chosen Skill Goals

Letting kids pick something lights a fire! Examples:

“I want to memorize my favorite song.”
“I’d love to play really fast like in video games.”

This builds ownership – my ADHD students especially thrive when they’re chasing something they picked.

Teacher-Set Concept Goals

Theory doesn’t have to be boring – these tie directly to understanding music. Examples:

“Learn major and minor chords by spring.”
“Understand and play dynamics in every piece we play.”

I weave these into lessons naturally, and they make everything click faster.

Collaborative Performance Goals

We set performance goals together – my favorite bonding moment! Examples:

“Play a duet at the spring recital.”
“Perform at church or the school talent show.”

They turn piano into a shared adventure and give shy students a gentle push.

Teacher-Set Repertoire Goals

I guide most of the “what we’re learning” to keep progress balanced. Examples:

“Finish Level 2 book by summer.”
“Learn one classical and one pop piece each term.”

This ensures variety while moving forward steadily.

Student-Chosen Repertoire Goals

The ones that make eyes sparkle! Example:

“I want to learn ‘Let it Go’ from Frozen.”
“Can we do a Taylor Swift song?”

Honoring these builds trust and keeps practice joyful – parents love seeing their child excited! I encourage teachers to have a specific genre in mind or a recital that centers around student-chosen repertoire. In my studio, that is always the spring recital! Additionally, when you’re allowing a student to play a current pop song, make sure the parents are okay with the content of the song before allowing the child to play it.

Joint Practice Goals

We brainstorm these together for real-life habits. Examples:

“Practice 5 days a week.”
“Have you heard of habit stacking? Practice as soon as your homework is done – you can even put it on your homework assignment list!”
“Use a 10-minute timer and this practice checklist.”

These are gold for consistency – and extra supportive for neurodivergent learners who benefit from routines. I’ve also found amazing success using Practice Space with my students – it has been a total game changer in student practice in my studio!

Bonus: Weave Goals into Group Lessons

Group time is perfect for celebrating shared goals – like a rhythm challenge or collaborative improv. It turns individual targets into team fun!

Ready to Try These Types of Goals for Piano Students?

Mix a few from each category for the perfect blend – teacher structure + student spark. Next week in Part 3, I’ll show you exactly when and how to set them (including my favorite first-lesson activity).

In the meantime, grab my free Goal-Setting Conversation Starter – a colorful worksheet that makes these chats easy and fun.