Adult Students
Combining Children and Adults in a Class
I have a 10-year-old in Level 1 who just lost her partner. She is fairly mature for her age and proceeds at an average pace. Unfortunately at this point the only other Level 1 class available for her to join is an adult class of…
Classical Stream
I just got off the phone with an adult that started learning traditionally and wants to try out SM. I let her know the various genres we teach, and she let me know she is not crazy about jazz or blues. I have had another…
Regaining Momentum After A Break
I have a bit of scheduling dilemma and would welcome some input. I have some students who are anxious to start lessons, but because of vacations they’ll be away in August and I’ll be away in September. If they were to start now they would…
Impacting Attrition Rates & Longevity
I am wondering if anyone has any data on attrition rates for SM: meaning – what percentage of students discontinue lessons and when that is most likely to occur? I am working on my schedule for this Spring and trying to think about how best…
The Relationship Conversation for Adults
The relationship conversation as currently outlined is very clearly directed to a parent/child situation. I’m curious what anyone out there does to modify it when presenting the Foundation Session to a group of only adults, especially a group of older/senior adults. Simply leaving out references…
Managing Students Who Don’t Follow Instructions
I have an adult student who has been SO keen and enthusiastic and constantly comes back saying that he has gone further into the video, and taught himself, pieces we have not covered yet. I have explained a few times that this is not acceptable.…
Students Processing and/or Resisting our Approach to Reading
I have an adult male student, 35, in the middle of Level 3 (Shared Lesson with one other adult), more than half way through Accompaniment 1, and with many Variations and Arrangements on his Playlist, who has a very hard time keeping his Playlist alive.…
‘Correct’ Fingering – Neil Moore
I have a student who has played in the past, and has a habit of twisting her hands laterally (outwards) when playing chords. She wants to use her own fingering, and complains about having to use the fingering as instructed, and even included on her…
Judgmental Student
I need some strength… I just came out of a very intense FIS with 3 traditionally trained adults, a couple and another lady not related. They were focused on my “credentials” etc. and quite combative within explaining about the method. With some rudeness and defensiveness,…
My 75 year old and her Critical Nature
I have a 75 year old private student. She is not patient about the pace of the lessons, how much she learns, etc. All that seems normal for an adult. She complains a lot. So I asked her what her expectations were and they were…