Studio Management
Transitioning siblings from private to shared lessons
For those of you who have transitioned from private to group lessons: I have several families with multiple children enrolled. I figure this is pretty typical. In private lessons I was able to arrange their lessons consecutively quite easily. But as I make the transition…
Helping students keep the playlist alive
I feel like I’ve had an epiphany lately! I’m realizing the importance of “really” helping students to keep their songs alive. We can’t assume they will do it all themselves or even the parents for that matter. The lesson time is the only time we…
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.…
Parent correcting student during lesson
I have a “territory” parent situation I haven’t encountered before and would like to ask for some specific guidance on how to deal with this. The student is 8 and in a private lesson. She is lovely, eager to learn, and compliant from my perspective.…
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: 09/21/2017 – Piano – Confronting Your Fear of Shared Lessons
In this webinar we discuss some of the real and perceived challenges of teaching shared lessons, as well as the importance of the teacher’s mindset with regard to shared lessons. Topics include: Three Critical Questions (00:00) “Everyone Wants Private Lessons” (04:18) Evolving Shared Lessons (14:49)…
Webinar Series: 09/27/2017 – Gateway – Behavior Issues: Dealing with the Student & Parent
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…
Student quit after one month – parent not on board
I am disappointed to have a student stop lessons after one month. She is 9 years old and came in with several years of traditional lesson experience. My sense was that her mother was positive about SM and letting her start at Level 1, but…
Webinar Series: 08/15/2017 – Piano – Maximizing Success with the Reading Program
In this webinar Neil describes how the the Simply Music Reading Program was developed and shares insights into getting the best results from this part of the Curriculum. Topics include: Evolution of the Simply Music Reading Program (00:00) Critical Readiness Elements for Students (10:17) Creating…