Student Management
The value of attending lessons
I just had a parent text me that she’s not coming to her make-up lesson today, saying “We’ll just watch the video”. However, I was planning to teach an arrangement, which is not available in the SHMs. How do I communicate the value of being…
Webinar Series: 05/25/2017 – Piano – Request as Distinct from Requirement
In this webinar Neil clarifies the difference between requests and requirements and discusses the crucial role these play in your studios. Topics include: Distinction Between Request & Requirement (00:09) Consequences for Students (09:39) Students Progressing Slowly (18:27) Teachers Wanting to be Liked (21:19) Addressing Issues…
Starting age for Simply Music students
I am curious to know what age you start Simply Music from generally. I read somewhere, quite a while ago now, that someone started a 3-year-old in the program. I think there’s a Teacher Workshop or a recorded phone call about assessing children for readiness…
Progress in shared vs private lessons
Someone asked me recently if the progress in group lessons is the same as in private lessons. As I am still a relatively new teacher, I welcome comments from the rest of you on this. I think the progress could be the same; and also…
Handling siblings during lessons
I have a parent who requested not attending the lesson with her 6th grade boy (who has been with me for 2 years) and I sent her a reply to explain why I needed parents to attend lessons. She also said the little sister of…
Students who don’t like piano
No matter how consistently we have the long-term relationship conversation, in my experience there are some students who really never like piano. They fight their moms start to finish, and their moms do very well to hang on for a few years. With diligent efforts,…
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…
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…
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…
Students asking for water in class
I have quite a few students who come in (say 7-10 year olds) and after a minute or two say, “Mrs. B, may I have a glass of water?” Sometimes I’ll say, “Class is only a half hour long, I think you can wait that…