I have a super fast learning adult student. In 4 lessons he's done Foundation up to and including Ode to Joy; composed a short song, improvised on black notes, learned the C blues scale, done an arrangement of Dreams, learned different rhythms for Jackson Blues, and we have started Accompaniment 1. What would others suggest as I think 30 minutes is too long a lesson for him (or me!). He's a shift worker and so has…
In this webinar you will hear about actual situations that teachers have encountered with their special needs students and learn from Karen’s expertise how best to handle those situations. Topics include: Using a Schedule with Students on the Spectrum (00:05) Difficulty Finding Black Note Groups (2:57) Starting Your First Gateway Student (6:08) How to Handle Challenging Behavior (9:02) Students Reluctant to Progress (18:24) Student Getting Distracted / School Setting Issues (26:18) Dealing with Inappropriate Behaviors (29:29) Accepting the Student as…
Online self-study piano courses and YouTube instructional videos are here to stay. There are populations of people who can benefit from those, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to, or choose to, learn with a teacher. We as educators are still a vital resource for everyone else; however we must learn to embrace the benefits of self-study programs while clearly communicating the benefits of what we offer with Simply Music lessons. Topics include: Introduction: Technological Transformations (00:05) Technology in…
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. She has however come back and asked "May I know how the Simply Music method gives students recognition if there's no exam and certification? And what approach does the Simply Music…
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, I would probably move the oldest and youngest ones to two different groups (assuming I had an appropriately-paced group to move them to). Since they are brother and sisters, I'm not…
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 for Success (06:25) Behavior Triggers (10:29) Teacher Question: Student with Anxiety (14:05) Gateway vs. Simply Music Lesson Structure (20:15) Getting to Know the Student (32:13) Student Who is Easily Upset (38:15) Fingering Adaptations (43:36) Appropriate…
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. Topics include: The Design & Mechanics of Upset (00:11) Identifying the Type of Upset (10:59) Student Expectations, Teacher Expectations (15:43) Studio Example - Coach Expectations (19:02) Preventing & Identifying Upset (26:22) Adult Beginner Expectations (28:50)…
Working with students who have profound processing differences requires a different mindset in order to achieve a successful outcome. This webinar dives into this simple yet crucial difference and addresses some very common concerns about working with special needs students. Topics include: About the Gateway Program (00:00) Connecting with the Student (03:26) About ‘Patience’ (07:45) Common Concerns Addressed in TTMs (10:44) Specific Student Example (15:09) Dealing with Parent ‘Agenda’ (23:10) Relationship with Parents (34:43) What if I’m Afraid to Try…
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) Feeling that Coaches are Overwhelmed (21:43) Your Passion & Conviction - the Big Picture (28:56) Dealing with Students’ Prolonged Valleys (32:56) Normalizing Expectations (37:26) Click through the video below to hear Neil discuss the previously…
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 but don't mark the playlist, I'm tired of the parents backing them up, and I feel bad for the parents who tell their kids off week after week after week about…
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