Studio Management
What I’ve Learned About Group Lessons
How about a discussion of what we’ve learned doing groups? I’m new to teaching groups, and stuff that many experienced with groups perhaps learned long ago is breaking news to me. For example: When students first play DCT and DCT 1 as a duet (or…
Students Comfort Level with Touching
For those of you that teach groups, do you ever find that students are uncomfortable or embarrassed to touch each others’ hands? I’m thinking in particular of a 13 yr-old boy that may be in a group with three 16-yr-olds (all beginners). I think it…
Groups at Different Speeds
I love the concept of group lessons and would eventually wish to convert my studio over from privates to groups. I have always had my reservations but finally jumped in this fall with a group of 4 to try things out. Lesson 2 presents the…
Group Obstacles
Hi, all. I have been enjoying all the discussions going on lately. I have some questions about groups. So far I have taught only privates (with the exception of a sibling pair). In the future, I would like to broaden my studio to group lessons…
Excelling student joins shared lesson
I’m a new teacher, so your experience would be very helpful. I have a new 16-year-old girl who worked quickly to catch up to her two friends so that she could join their shared lesson. I gave her private lessons and I believe she truly…
A Case of the Blues in Level 4
I have two students, both in Level 4, who have a bad case of the blues….a definite valley syndrome. Neither of them want to mark their playlist, let alone keep all their earlier songs alive. Both moms are very supportive Simply Music moms but they’re struggling…
Room Set Up for Groups
I was wondering how you all set up your groups of 5 or more. I have the chairs arranged in a horse shoe shape. Do you have the moms sitting next to their child of do you separate the kids from the parents? I was…
Optimal Group Size
I was wondering what you consider the optimal size for group lessons. Having lots of kids will probably require more time because they will all want to play their pieces, which is understandable. I find in my first group of little kids, I really have…
Large Group at the Keyboard
I finally started teaching the continuing education workshop just last night. 14 had signed up, 11 showed up, and at least 1 of the absent people is fairly certain to join in starting next week. So I’ve got a much bigger group than what I’m…
Putting Hands Together in a Group Context
I am a new teacher. I teach a small group of 5. Today we put Dreams hands together. I felt that I needed at least 2-3 minutes individual time with each student to help “control the events” on the piano as they put it together.…