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…
Big Families
I’m just opening my studio–this week!–and have a challenge that’s probably almost unique to Utah. We have lots of big families here, so it’s pretty common for a family to have 3 piano-aged children plus younger siblings. I have two moms already signed up, ready…
Ideas for Exit Lesson
I have a final lesson for a student tomorrow who is quitting lessons. I am at a loss for what to do during this lesson. Do I do business as usual? Try to fill up the time with answering questions that he has? I really…
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…
A Break from Lessons
I would appreciate advice regarding a 6 year old who has been taking lessons in a shared lesson for about 18 months. She is keeping up well in the lessons, so I was surprised to find out when talking casually to her mum that the…
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…
Young Children and the Foundation Session
I have several families with children 4, 5, and 6 who are interested in starting this summer. Please tell me, do you change the Foundation Session when small children are involved? It is an appropriate stretch for kids 7 and up to listen to the…
100th Lesson Celebration
I have some students approaching their 100th lesson and would like to reward them with a special gift or outing when it happens. I think its an achievement worthy of recognition. Do you have any ideas for an appropriate reward? Has anyone done this for their…
Keeping it Interesting for Teens
I have just taken on a student with 6 years traditional experience. She’s 13. Her mother says that getting her to practice and attend her traditional lessons was becoming a bone of contention within the family and she is rebelling. She basically hates piano and…