Studio Management
Workshop for students with prior experience
I have just completed my initial training and am very excited about teaching students using this fantastic method! I have had an introductory session and the foundation session talk with two girls (12 and 10) and their mother which went really well. The girls have…
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…
Music for wedding reception
My nephew has asked me to play piano for approximately 30 minutes at his wedding reception while guests gather for canapes. Asking for musical suggestions as I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve played for wedding ceremonies but this makes me less comfortable and…
Mom brings toddler to lessons
I teach two different groups in which a home school mom brings a toddler along to the lessons. Sometimes the toddler’s noise distracts me, and generally the toddler has mom’s attention, so the mom is unable to pay attention to the lesson and be the…
Teacher feels out of depth with gifted student
I have a student who is very naturally gifted with composing his own songs. His songs are good enough to be on mainstream radio and his father is recording his songs at the moment through a sound recordist to mix and produce it. My issue…
Scheduling group lessons
How do you schedule lessons? I’m having a bit of growing pains, trying to keep and develop larger groups. Do you set the times, then contact parents and students with times, or do you ask for available times first? I’ve got people who wait and…
Differences in practice habits in group
A group of three students: The first one does everything I assign beautifully. The second one (the fastest learner of the three) only practices 1/2 of the assigned items, but beautifully. The third one does 1/3 of what I assign but not so beautifully because…
How Tune Toolkit interacts with the playlist
I had a teacher recently write me personally with a question about Tune Toolkit, and I thought I’d address the issue here since it could be of benefit to others. The question was about how Tune Toolkit interacts with playlist tracking. Certainly one can add…
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…
ADHD student in shared lesson
Has anyone had a successful experience of teaching a student with ADHD in a shared lesson? Student is an 8-year-old boy recently diagnosed. Grandma has taught him a little but hasn’t had any formal lessons. I only teach private lessons. I have one with ADHD.…