I am trying to choose the right words to discuss a student's minimal effort with her parent. The student is 8 and has been taking lessons since she was 5. She progressed quickly, then hit a valley and has been putting in the bare minimal effort for the last 18 months or so. She reached level 3, completed Reading Rhythm, and started Reading Notes, then just seemed to forget everything. So we have been reviewing to…
What strategies have you used to help your students navigate a valley? First step - have a conversation about it. Ask questions. After finding out exactly what the cause of the valley is, I take the pressure off for a while - no new foundation material is added until they get through the valley; keep lessons as light and fun as possible; do more improv…
This webinar is driven by teacher questions. Topics range from the rationale behind some of the curriculum to supporting coaches to the future of Simply Music. Enjoy! Topics include: Intro: Funny Story About Neil (00:05) Helping Parents be ‘Requirement-Based’ (2:06) How Teachers Can Improve Their Rhythm Skills (12:55) Engaging All Students in Shared Lessons (20:04) Rationale for Repertoire of 30-40 Songs (28:13) Reason for Notation Changes in Foundation Music (31:23) Blues Songs – More Common Keys Used (33:58) Developing Our…
I have a student that I've been teaching for just over 3 months. She practices regularly, but refuses to watch the videos. Her mom will not enforce this. It's definitely slowing her down by not watching them, but she is still making good progress. How big of an issue do I make this? Pretty big, if you want her to get the best results and stick with you. My first suggestion…
Has anyone else dealt with the issue of the second parent, the spouse of the life coach, not being behind lessons fully? They question the method and cost and cause issues at home? If so, how have you addressed this? I'm contemplating making it mandatory for both parents to attend the FIS. I have often wished the parent could listen to some of my training to learn how to talk to people about the method! …
The role of the parent or coach with Gateway students can differ quite a bit from the role they play in the Simply Music Piano program. Learn why this is often necessary, ways in which you can still keep parents involved, and hear some real-life examples of how to do so. Topics include: Introduction Initial Steps for Teachers Talking About Gateway & Expectations Teacher Relationship with the Student How to Involve the Parent Teacher Question: How to Encourage a Parent…
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 "all the songs" and is angry when some are "forgotten". In addition, the student has been traveling back and forth out of state where dad has been working and where there…
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 been really honest about their experiences, and we've had some great conversations as a result. So good to have it all out in the open and continue the dialogue every week!…
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 - they just grab a piece of cake or treat after lessons on their way out the door. Just considering whether to do something more personal. I…
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 daughter to practice. At the moment her daughter loved her one lesson and is excited about playing piano. I have just moved to a tuition schedule of flat monthly payments. The…
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