Studio Management
Toddler sibling at lessons
A mom asked me if I would teach her son and daughter on Saturday instead of our weekday time because she does not have childcare for her 4-year-old, and he is somewhat disruptive during lessons. I do not want to teach on Saturday. I know…
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…
Writing extra notes for Arrangements
In the Arrangements 1 program, I have reviewed the material and it says that the content is not to be supplemented with written notes. Is this referring to the types of notes depicted in the reference section of the Foundation levels, or notes we write…
New teacher feeling overwhelmed
I feel like I’m trying to climb Mt Everest with just a daypack. So much left to learn! I’ve got all the Foundation 1 songs, basic versions, and most of Foundation 2. I’m barely ahead of some of my students. Also trying to do the…
Student in a valley
One of my students hit a valley this week and I am struggling to know how to navigate it with him. It is a very personal connection as my student is also my husband! He has been taking for about five years from me, and…
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…
Teacher frustration
Frustrated with students! Not using their playlist, forgetting their songs, sulking if something looks too hard before giving it a go. Still using the toilet even when I send a message to the parent an hour before every lesson to say please go to the…
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…
Students are slacking on playlist
I need someone to touch base with. Most of my students are coming to the end of level 2 and are in the middle of the accompaniment book (I added this during the summer) and can do easy improv. That blues scale goes a long…
Filming lessons for absent students – Neil Moore
Hi everyone. I just wanted to address something and make sure that this is clear. It was brought to my attention today that there are at least a few teachers who, from time to time, are filming their lessons and making a video available to…