observatory learning

LONG STORY SHORT: I’m looking for advice about shared lessons and expectations about having multiple pianos for students to use during the lesson. About a month ago, I received a call from a retired Simply Music teacher. Her long-time friend had observed her joy at…

• Last updated 2 years ago
• benefits of group lessons, benefits of shared lessons, group, managing groups, managing shared lessons, mentor groups, multi-sensory, multi-sensory learning, multiple instruments, multiple keyboards, multiple pianos, observational learning, observatory learning, one instrument, one keyboard, one piano, opposition to shared lessons, round robin, shared, shared lesson, social distancing, student mentors, two instruments, two keyboards, two pianos

For those of you who teach mostly in groups, how have you addressed complaints from parents about group lessons and the student to teacher ratio? (Meaning they feel their child isn’t getting enough ‘piano time’ in their new group lesson)? I teach mostly small groups.…

• Last updated 3 years ago
• benefits of group lessons, benefits of shared lessons, class size, complaints, different pacing in group, generative learning, group size, Laurie Richards, learning pace, learning rate, lesson pacing, normal progress, number of students, observatory learning, pace, pace of learning, pacing, progress, rate of learning, rate of progress, receptive learning, slow pace, slow progress, speed of progress, student progress, student to teacher ratio, students speed of progress, time at piano, time on the piano, use of class time

I’m learning Shoo-Fly. Any thoughts on reminder clues for the LH runs in the second part? It starts on D and goes up, then starts on C and goes up, and both have a black note but in a different spot. I find myself coming…

• Last updated 4 years ago
• blues, curve, developing generative skills, generative, generative learning, generative students, generative tools, identifying patterns, intervals, learning tools, learning tools and strategies, observatory learning, patterns, playing-based tools, remembering patterns, self generating, self generative, self-generate, self-generation, shapes, shoo-fly, tools, tools and strategies, transpose, transposing, transposition

I’ve made a big discovery! It all started when I realized my students must not be practicing very well at home – or they would be playing better. One lady even said she was practicing an hour a day sometimes, but it really wasn’t showing…

• Last updated 4 years ago
• adult students, at home practice, enhancing practice, how to practice, lack of practice, learning from SHMs, learning from video, learning without video, managing practice, monitor practice, music books, not using SHMs, not watching video, observatory learning, observe practice, poor practice, practice, practice habits, practicing, reference books, SHM, SHMs, SHMs in class, SHMs in lesson, students who use music book, teaching how to practice, use of videos, using music book, using music books, using SHMs, using the SHM videos, using the SHMs, using videos, video, videos, watching the videos, watching videos, working with parents on how to practice

I’m in my second month of teaching Simply Music, and I have groups of mostly 3-6 kids. I have four practice pads that I got laminated but not mounted.  Initially I tried using the practice pads, but I found it frustrating, especially with the younger…

• Last updated 10 years ago
• controlling the events, Dreams Come True, group lessons, observatory learning, practice pads, shared lessons

With regard to the recent discussions about Practice Pads, I wish to add a word of caution. Please be careful to make sure that only a small or modest percentage of your class time is spent with individual students processing content on their individual Practice…

• Last updated 10 years ago
• group lessons, Neil Moore, observatory learning, patterns, practice pads, shared lessons, special needs, use of class time

I am responding to Kerry H’s e-mail about shared vs. private lessons in response to Cheryl G’s questions. I found myself nodding in agreement as I read Kerry’s document about the reasons she gives to parents for why she believes shared lessons are preferable. Her…

• Last updated 10 years ago
• benefits, group lessons, observatory learning, private lessons, shared lessons

For the teachers who do mostly groups: Is group lessons mentioned in your advertising or not? How do you handle objections from parents who only want private? Do you take these students or not? Would you mind saying what you tell the parents are the…

• Last updated 10 years ago
• benefits, benefits of group lessons, duets, ensemble, Free Introductory Sessions, group lessons, observatory learning, practice, shared lessons

I remember Neil brilliantly teaching a large group at a recent seminar but I didn’t take good enough notes. I have just combined kids from 3 different lessons into one group of 6 and two of the moms are balking—want more playing time and individual…

• Last updated 10 years ago
• accompaniment, arrangements, demonstrating, group lessons, keypads, large class, observatory learning, practice pads, shared lessons, variations

When you have students unfold the patterns on their (printed) keyboards, do you also have them put both hands together first on their keyboard? I have tried this but found that I can’t watch them all and so don’t know if they are doing it…

• Last updated 10 years ago
• both hands, controlling the events, group lessons, hands together, observatory learning, patterns, practice pads, private lessons, shared lessons