Students
Stressed teenaged student
My sensitive teen cried last night at class and I know she has been struggling but her dad tells me she absolutely loves her lessons and playing piano. Here’s the problem, she will only work on songs she loves, only do the things she wants…
Managing an FIS/SIS with SM transfer students
How do you all manage an SIS (FIS?) with students who have taken SM lessons before? I did one recently, with a student whose teacher is taking time off. I focused on things that might be different in my studio, thinking it would help them…
Music learning for very young children
A mom asked me how to start her 20-month-old on the path to learning music. Do you have any suggestions for this mom? I can think of some obvious things at the keyboard, with rhythms, listening to music, and children’s videos. Thank you for any…
Physical limitations and alternate chord fingering
I have a student who has a pinched nerve in her back which has caused sciatic nerve issues. She has mild arthritis in RH 1, 2, and 3 top knuckles. She want to play the B chord with RH 1 3 4 rather than 1…
Using win/lose games
I had kids earn points from cards they picked for playlist check. Some kids started to cry because they didn’t win their cards even with a prep talk about why they should not be so serious about winning or losing a game. Personally I set…
Using lesson to de-stress
I wanted to share a teaching experience I had a few weeks ago. One of my adult students, Julie, is a delightful person and so excited about learning piano and LOVES Simply Music. A few weeks ago her classmates couldn’t make it to class so…
Drawing out a shy student
I have a very shy/anxious student, unlike I have ever had before. She is 8 and has had only about 4 lessons in this group with the 5 other students. Just wondered if anyone has any tips for drawing out a pretty reluctant student. Mom…
How to restart returning student
I had a great student a few years ago. I think we got to Level 4 when she quit. She continued to play herself without a teacher, and now she wants to come back. What should I do with her? Should I hear all her…
Student is repeatedly claiming territory
I’m needing a bit of encouragement here. I have an adult student who has learned a lot of songs and practices a lot but has claimed territory on a number of occasions. I have had “the talk” with her a few times (that if she…
Frustrated student with dyslexia
I have a dyslexic student who is 8 years old. She gets frustrated and cries at home for days and says the videos don’t help. Personally, I think the mother is a big contribution to this “giving up” because with me the girl does well…sometimes,…