Evaluating When It May Be Time to Consider New Training

As summer seems to be slipping away in a blur, it can be hard to believe it’s already time to start thinking about back-to-school schedules. Yet here we are, with a calendar, a credit card and the fervent hope that the extra-curricular classes our creatively driven teens are hoping will fill their after school schedule will somehow magically fall into a perfectly fitting puzzle of classes, volunteer work, jobs and oh, yeah, time for school work.

It’s a lot.

Yet, I’m going to add one more layer to consider – is it time for a change in your creative teens training?

The Comfort of Familiarity

I get it. It’s hard enough to figure it all out with the teacher your teen has been with forever, the one who loves your kid and will do their best to make the schedule work for them. Then there’s the studio/school/program your teen has been with since they started in their art. You know the instructors, you know which classes fill up first and the secret back alley lot where you can coordinate a quick pick up without getting stuck in the carpool line or a general traffic on the street. 

Your teen knows the other students, where the best place to store their gear is located and they have a good sense of where they will be placed during the next academic year. It’s familiar and comfortable and even when it’s not perfect, it’s still a place they want to be. However, even if things have been working reasonably well so far, it’s crucial to assess whether continuing in the same location and with the same teacher is truly the best path for skill building.

Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone

It’s easy to get caught in the familiar. We are, in fact, hardwired to like what we know. Our brains prefer the familiar, what we’ve done before has kept us safe enough to be alive today, so it rewards us by feeling good about doing some more of the same. And can set off alarm bells of anxiety when we choose to try to do something new.

But learning – the best learning – often comes from diverse perspectives. Just because something met our needs in the past does not necessarily mean it will meet our needs in the present or future. Sometimes larger leaps of skill building come from stepping outside our comfort zone and learning from someone new. Someone with a different approach, point of view, experiences, goals or philosophy. 

When your teen has a relationship with an instructor or studio, it can feel disloyal or scary to consider moving in a new direction. This is especially true if your teen has peer relationships they have come to cherish. It can be hard tease out what feels best socially versus what is the best course of action for opportunities and skill development. It can also be challenging to know when it’s time for a change if the only training your teen has ever had has been entirely with the same teacher, studio or program. 

Signs That It’s Time for a Change

It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate a need for change in your teen’s creative arts education. These signs include:

Stagnation or lack of growth: If your teen has been with the same teacher, studio, or classes for a significant period and is showing less progress than in the past, it may be a sign that a change is necessary.

Limited opportunities: Evaluate whether the current teacher, studio, or classes offer enough opportunities for your teen to showcase their talents or participate in performances, exhibitions, or competitions. Adequate opportunities for growth and exposure are essential for motivating young artists. Speak to other instructors or studios and ask what skills they consider important at this stage of your teens training. See if your teens current training is addressing the same skills. 

Feeling Overwhelmed: When a teen constantly feels overwhelmed, tired or confused in their instruction, that is a sign that this is not the best fit for them. Some teachers may be very strict in a way that does not work for your teen. Others may have unrealistically high expectations, or demand a level of practice that does not fit your teens goals.  

Change in Goals: If your teens level of interest or commitment in their art has changed significantly over the years, they may need a different type of instruction. Whether your creative artist has moved from a casual dabbler in their art to a serious pre-professional outlook, or the reverse, make sure that the level of instruction, growth expectations and commitment fit with your teens desired level of involvement in their art. If it’s not the right fit, discuss this with your teen and cover the issues with not being in the correct location for their desires.

Mismatched teaching style or philosophy: Every teen has a unique learning style, and if your teen’s current teacher’s style does not align with their needs, it can hinder their progress and enjoyment of the creative process. Look for a teacher or studio that resonates with your teen’s preferred approach and values.

Lack of connection or chemistry: A healthy teacher-student relationship is crucial for effective learning and growth. If your teen and their current teacher struggle to establish a meaningful connection, it can affect their motivation and overall experience. Consider whether there is a lack of rapport or communication and whether your teen would benefit from a different environment that fosters a stronger connection.

Poor Peer Relationships: If the social situation in a studio or program is not good – stressful, competitive or even borders on bullying, this should factor into the decision making about making a switch. Even if the current learning opportunities are great, if your teen doesn’t always feel safe or welcome, that will impact their skill development and overall emotional well being. 

Potential Positive Impact of Making Changes

Making changes in your teen’s creative arts education can bring about several positive outcomes, including:

Fresh perspectives and inspiration: Switching teachers, studios, or classes can bring new insights, techniques, and perspectives into your teen’s artistic journey. Exposure to different teaching methods and approaches can ignite their creativity and provide fresh inspiration, leading to renewed passion and growth.

Expanded network and collaboration opportunities: Joining a new studio or class introduces your teen to a broader artistic community, creating opportunities for collaborations with peers who share similar interests and aspirations. This fosters a supportive environment that encourages growth and mutual learning.

Tailored learning experience: Making a change allows you to find a teacher, studio, or classes that better align with your teen’s unique learning style and goals. A more personalized approach can facilitate targeted guidance and support, enhancing their artistic development and satisfaction with the learning process.

Increased motivation and enthusiasm: A change in environment can reignite your teen’s enthusiasm for their creative pursuits. When they find themselves in a setting that nurtures their passion and offers exciting challenges, their motivation and dedication are likely to soar.

Potential Negative Impact of Making Changes

While change can bring positive outcomes, it’s essential to consider the potential negative impacts:

Disruption and adjustment period: Transitioning to a new teacher, studio, or classes can be initially challenging for your teen as well as you as a parent. They may need time to adapt to the new environment, routines, and expectations. It’s crucial for you both to be patient and for you to to provide support during this adjustment period.

Loss of familiarity and comfort: Leaving behind a familiar setting and faces can create a sense of loss and nostalgia for your teen. They may miss the routines and familiarity they had become accustomed to. Acknowledge these feelings and reassure them that change brings the potential for new and exciting experiences.

Navigating Transitions Effectively

To make navigating transition effectively, consider the following steps:

Open and honest communication: Engage in a dialogue with your teen to understand their feelings and perspectives about their current creative arts experience. Listen attentively, validate their concerns or desires for change, and be receptive to their input throughout the decision-making process.

Research and explore alternatives: Research local studios, teachers, or classes that align with your teen’s artistic interests and learning style. Read reviews, visit studios, or attend trial lessons whenever possible to assess whether the new options are a good fit. For tweens you may want to be the driver, but as  they move into the high school years, your teen should take the lead on the selection process.

Smooth transition: Once you’ve made the decision to change, work with your teen’s current teacher or studio to ensure a smooth transition. Determine if you or your teen would prefer to the beht one to communicate your intention to switch. Respectfully express gratitude for their guidance and support, or if your teen is leaving due to a negative experience, offer limited constructive feedback about why you both feel that moving on is best. If the move is purely based on expanding training opportunity, considering seeking input on recommendations for alternative options, as they may have valuable insights into your teen’s artistic growth.

Patience and support: Understand that adjusting to a new environment takes time. Encourage your teen to embrace the change, reassuring them of your support throughout the process. Remind them that this transition presents an opportunity for growth, new experiences, and connections.

Conclusion

Recognizing when it’s time to change your teen’s creative arts teacher, studio, or classes can be a difficult decision. By paying attention to signs of stagnation, limited opportunities, mismatched teaching styles, or a lack of connection, you can assess whether a change is necessary. While there may be initial challenges, the potential positive impacts such as fresh perspectives, expanded networks, and tailored learning experiences can outweigh the negatives. With open communication, research, and support, you can help your teen navigate the transition effectively and empower them to continue flourishing in their creative pursuits.