Students
Recognition for students
I have received an email inquiry from a parent initially asking if Simply Music students undertook exams and what concerts were available for students. I responded letting her know that students did not sit formal exams and that often teachers ran concerts for their students.…
Elderly students
Any advice for teaching students in their 70s? I’ve got a couple in their early 70s who seem to lack a sense of time. The motor skills are also a struggle. She has some arthritis as well as a finger that locks, and he is…
Playlist: Parent’s unmet expectations
The parent of a student I’ve had for three years told me that her daughter needs review because she only plays the current songs on her playlist (Level 6). The student’s father travels for months at a time and comes home with expectations to hear…
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,…
Using the book “Music and the Art of Long-Term Relationships” in class
I started going through Neil’s book “Music and the Art of Long-Term Relationships” with every single class. I ask them to read one section each week, and we read/discuss it in class. I am finding this extremely valuable to have such thorough discussions. Parents have…
Webinar Series: 11/20/2017 – Gateway – Q&A with Karen Nisenson
In this webinar you will hear Gateway creator Karen Nisenson speak with teachers about their students, sharing strategies to develop fine motor issues and relate students’ interests to music. Topics include: Teacher Experience with Autistic Students (00:05) Recently Diagnosed Student on the Spectrum (09:31) Connecting…
Webinar Series: 12/11/2017 – Gateway – Behavior Issues: Setting Boundaries & Developing Strategies
In this webinar, Karen Nisenson discusses some common behavior challenges present in students with profound processing disorders, potential triggers that lead to those behaviors, and best practices for ensuring a successful experience in your studio. Topics include: Introduction & Overview of Behaviors (00:08) Setting Up…
Writing an exit email to departing students
Who has wording for an exit email? They’re choosing other activities over piano and I’m fine with the, so I just want to say a nice goodbye. Just putting the question out there actually helped me write it. I kept it simple. This is what…
Recognizing student birthdays
Looking for ideas re: if and how you acknowledge students’ birthdays. Card, small gift, nothing? I do a white board each month with the names of students’ birthdays that month, and then once a month we celebrate with cake or treats that I provide –…
Parent balking at tuition
I received a phone call from a mom whose daughter had her first lesson with me last week. She clearly wants to “try out” piano lessons for her daughter and she is not committed to continuing if it becomes a huge struggle to get her…