Studio Management
Discontinuing lessons with non-progressing student
I have to have “that” conversation to discontinue lessons. I currently teach a lovely little boy (8 years old) who is just not progressing. It has a lot to do with lack of coaching at home but also low muscle tone I think. He has…
Encouragement for new teacher
I just finished my initial teacher training program, and I’ve started on Accompaniment 1 and Arrangements 1. So much more to learn! It’s great, and I’m overwhelmed. I have a 6-year-old student who has spent a month learning sentence 1 of Dreams, and a 13-year-old…
Engaging parents in lessons with teens
I have a group of teenage students and although parents attend lessons, they are for the most part completely not engaged. I’m at a loss as to how I could include them in the lesson process. I can see the value of doing this in…
Senior Center Recital Sing-alongs
I’m hoping to plan some recital opportunities in Long Term care homes this spring for my students. In addition to playing from their playlists, I’d love to include some great singalong music. Any suggestions of what would be great songs to play for the residents…
Pacing of teaching songs starting in Foundation 4
I’d like to hear people’s strategies for stretching out the teaching of Foundation songs starting in about Level 4 beyond the obvious tactic of taking 2-5 or so weeks to learn the entire songs. I’m accustomed to teaching songs at this level and beyond over…
Advanced students and the playlist
I think it’s time for me to allow my most advanced students (they’re near the end of Level 5) to prune their playlists. Does anyone have a list of songs you require your students to maintain, either because we will continue to build on them…
Keeping students practicing during break
Due to personal reasons, I will be taking a month off of teaching. Any tips I can pass along to parents, so students don’t lose ground during the break? Perhaps a 30-day challenge. Play every day for 30 days. A composition a week…and each class…
Combining special needs student with younger students
I need help to navigate a new challenge. A 10-year-old boy with ADHD/LD has been taking private lessons. His 6-year-old brother is in a shared lesson. This past year, the 6-year-old’s progress has caught up with the older boy so I announced that it was…
Combining students in different levels
I have three teenagers taking private lessons because I have no age appropriate groups to put them in. One is in mid level 5, another is just starting level 6, and the other has just completed the first song of level 7. I’m wondering if…
How much to review with transfer student?
How would you suggest handling a transfer student from another teacher who left off in Level 4, yet has had a year and a half break? Start at the beginning with Dreams? My gut feeling is telling me to do that. Review all the previous…