Relationships
Webinar Series: 11/29/2017 – Piano – How Unfulfilled Expectations Impact Your Studio & Your Results
In this webinar Neil talks about the design of upset, what that means specifically and how to manage, and more importantly, prevent upset from occurring. This includes developing an understanding of some underlying dynamics in your relationships with students and coaches with regard to expectations.…
Students in valleys
I have two students who have become incredibly frustrated lately and are ready to quit. They’re both in Level 2. One, a 16-year-old beginner who was very motivated to learn and was doing absolutely great, stopped practicing about a month ago, and it was obvious.…
Webinar Series: 10/24/2017 – Piano – Developing Strong Communication Skills
Neil discusses some the components of powerful communication in this webinar. Learn how you can ensure that your studio requirements are clearly understood and met by your students and coaches, thus maximizing your success as a teacher and your students’ success with their lessons. Topics…
Webinar Series: 09/12/2017 – Piano – Creating a Strong Alliance with Coaches
In this webinar we discuss the importance of a strong ‘3-legged-stool’ – an alignment among the teacher, student, and coach. Neil shares an analogy, The Five S’s, to help you visualize this concept and discover your influence as a teacher. Topics include: Introduction & Context…
Webinar Series: 08/10/2017 – Piano – Long-Term Relationship Conversation
In this webinar Neil talks about the Long-Term Relationship Conversation and its importance in and out of the class room. Topics include: Critical Nature of the Long-Term Relationship Conversation (00:00) “Something’s Wrong” Mindset (03:00) The Design of Upset (05:45) Parents/Coaches Who “Don’t Get It” (13:34)…
Coaching parents through valleys
One of my students (11 years old) has been in a valley and I recognized at least one area where the mom could be more supportive. So I called the mother about the relationship conversation. After a fruitful 10-15 minute phone conversation, the mother told…
Non-compliant student
I have a student who comes with his grandmother as coach. She pays for his lessons, but he lives with mom and stepdad. Mom was coming as coach at first, but now it’s grandma. At first this worked fine, and he was making progress. Lately…
Teacher burnout
I’m in a valley, that’s for sure. I’m tired of starting work at 5pm while everyone else is starting to prepare their dinner. And I’m tired of talking to the students constantly about their playlists, tired of hearing them say they practice all their songs…
Webinar Series: 07/27/2017 – Piano – Claiming Territory
In this webinar Neil talks about one of the three critical foundational conversations – Claiming Territory, and answers some common questions from teachers about establishing and regaining territory in lessons. Topics include: Where Most Studio Issues Originate (00:08) Understanding ‘Claiming Territory’ & Boundaries (05:22) Allowing…
Parents not wanting to “force” a child into lessons
“I’m a free-thinking parent, I’m not going to force them to do anything they don’t want to do.” When someone says this, do you even attempt to take the student, or do you pass altogether? I have had some wonderful families with this mentality honestly.…