I have a slight problem, and this is the second year running. I have a lovely little pupil who is a very good dancer and singer, 8 years of age. and started piano with me as a complete beginner last September.

Well, I say last September, but that is where the problem lies. He did half a term and then went off to do professional Panto for the rest of the term and some of the Spring term. He came back and virtually had to start again. He's just beginning to understand how to read the music and now he's off again to do Panto. I dare say we shall have to more or less start again in January. While he's away he is not able to practise at all as he is away from home a lot of the time.

He's a lovely little boy, but he must be demoralised - he's learning so slowly. What would you do?

Ohhh no it isn't!



Seriously, if you want to keep him, just accept it and start with what he remembers when he comes back.

Say to him that taking a break slows him down but you will help him pick up again, it's a good life lesson in itself.

I know it's not quite the same as my student is an adult - but I teach a pop musician who missed six months of lessons because he was on tour and writing the music for a film.

He came back bursting with enthusiasm and had the most fantastic first lesson back. He's had the occasional wobble since but basically is firing on all cylinders and making really excellent progress now. Sadly it'll be tour time again soon...

Because of Panto three of my students stop piano lessons mid November and don't resume again until the new term in January. It is disruptive to progress but it's something I have just excepted as part of these students lives. This year has been particulary disrupted because the autumn term has seen the preparations for a dancing show (involving two of my panto students) and when that is finished there will be about a two week gap and the panto rehersals will start!

Had the same thing, really diligent and talented student who went off to do pantomime. When I did see her she was half asleep, she seriously looked dreadful with bags under her eyes that just don't belong on a 10 year old and it took a term to get back in to the swing of things.

It seems to be a really stressful experience, I wonder if parents know what they are letting themselves in for. Also, just out of curiosity, do the children get paid for their performances?

I've no idea if they are any good but I've seen some roll up pianos advertised on ebay. I know it's not the real thing but it may be portable enough for the little boy to take to rehersals. There will be a lot of sitting around so he might be glad of the opportunity to practice whilst he is there. I don't think they are that expensive.

That's an idea! I'll mention it to his mum - I know he was bored last year sitting around waiting for such long periods of time.

They get given a gift voucher (£10 I think) at the end of the Panto season. But, for the children that I know, that take part, it's the experience of being on stage etc. each year that is important to them. It is very demanding, I think for about two weeks children/young people attend rehearsals after school every day and also they rehearse at the weekends. They then have three days of rehearsals/dress rehearsals. When the show starts its run at the theatre the children do one night on, one night off.