Claiming Territory
Coaches not purchasing SHMs
How do I deal with this? I have a group of two boys in Foundation 2. I’ve asked the life coaches to purchase Accompaniment 1, several weeks in a row. Each week they come back and haven’t gotten it yet. Now they’ll soon be purchasing…
Claiming territory in lesson pace
What would you do if a parent doesn’t want you to teach new assignments to the group because her child doesn’t really practice, but the other student is very ready to move on and does practice? They prefer a group lesson. I feel that I…
Having difficult conversations
I’m having trouble with a boy aged 7 years who hasn’t been following the rules (mum isn’t helping as she always asks his permission for everything!). Today I told him I wanted to help him but I couldn’t if he wouldn’t listen to me and…
Parents trying to manipulate policy
Has anyone had any issues with parents of students trying to manipulate policy? My policy clearly states that I do not do makeup lessons or refunds unless in the event of inclement weather, and I just had all of my students and life coaches sign…
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…
Getting back on track with requirement-based studio
Anyone have proven tips that work to get back on track when requirement-based has lapsed a bit? I have a few suggestions. With holidays and year-end coming up, you might make a plan and institute it at the beginning of 2017 as a fresh start.…
Holding students accountable in a requirement-based studio
Having a requirement-based studio has been on my mind lately, because I know there’s room for improvement, but I’m not sure how. On some issues I’m still not sure what “requirement-based” looks like. I think I’m still too understanding about some things. To me, it…
Parent correcting child in lessons
I have a student who is coming to a shared lesson with two parent coaches (mom and step-dad). With three students and four parents, my space is quite crowded. How would you suggest I respond? Ask just one to attend, ask one to sit farther…
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…
Playlist management
The biggest struggle I have with my students is the playlist. Most of them are not interested in using it, forget, or just don’t do it despite my best efforts. Keeping their songs instantly playable is an ongoing problem and uses more lesson time than…