Shared Lessons
Value of group vs private lessons
I am starting to get a few inquiries for piano lessons, but I have a hard time expressing the value found in group lessons versus private ones. I know what they are, but I get flustered when that call comes in and I lose my…
Adding new students to group
I have a fairly new student who has completed the Foundation session, the Basics, and Dreams Come True. His friend wants to join him in learning piano, and the mom called me today to say, “May we join the lesson today?”. I also have a…
Siblings learning at different paces
I have a group of home schooled students. Three are siblings. The oldest one catches on much quicker, and the youngest one struggles, especially with blues pieces. There is one other student in that group from a different family. If they were all different families,…
Webinar Series: 09/21/2017 – Piano – Confronting Your Fear of Shared Lessons
In this webinar we discuss some of the real and perceived challenges of teaching shared lessons, as well as the importance of the teacher’s mindset with regard to shared lessons. Topics include: Three Critical Questions (00:00) “Everyone Wants Private Lessons” (04:18) Evolving Shared Lessons (14:49)…
Webinar Series: 08/10/2017 – Piano – Long-Term Relationship Conversation
In this webinar Neil talks about the Long-Term Relationship Conversation and its importance in and out of the class room. Topics include: Critical Nature of the Long-Term Relationship Conversation (00:00) “Something’s Wrong” Mindset (03:00) The Design of Upset (05:45) Parents/Coaches Who “Don’t Get It” (13:34)…
Class of students of differing ages
I’ve had an inquiry from a mom with three kids, ages 10, 12, and 15. She says she’s pretty sure she wants to enroll based on word-of-mouth referrals from friends and has asked if the three kids could be in a class together. I plan…
Webinar Series: 07/12/2017 – Piano – Teaching Shared Lessons
In this webinar Neil talks about teaching Shared Lessons, including some teachers’ perceived challenges, as well as the many benefits. Topics include: Students Progressing at Different Rates in Shared Lessons (00:16) Understanding & Communicating Benefits of Shared Lessons (02:24) Parental Involvement in Lessons (10:49) Ideal…
Claiming territory in lesson pace
What would you do if a parent doesn’t want you to teach new assignments to the group because her child doesn’t really practice, but the other student is very ready to move on and does practice? They prefer a group lesson. I feel that I…
Ideas for a global makeup lesson
Seeking workshop ideas for a global makeup lesson. What things have you tried? In a workshop that includes a range of levels: Writing lyrics to a common song (students don’t know which song). Write the number of syllables they’ll need for each sentence. They choose…
Combining disparate ages in a group
How well could it work to have two girls aged 7 and 11 in a small group? The 7-year-old just started a month ago and is doing great and learning as quickly as any 11-year-old would. The 11-year-old will likely start very soon. I cannot…