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I have a class with twin sisters in it. They have been with me for two years now. They are just 7 and are about halfway through Level 2. The growing challenge is that they are moving at increasingly different paces. Something has clicked for one and she's picking things up easily, while the other really struggles to retain something from one day to the next. Dad suggests this isn't an issue in other areas, that…
I have a class of 6-1/2 to 7 year olds. One little girl is just on fire. She practices EVERY day. She does the keypad, the recording, everything and more. Consequently she is learning much more quickly and is much more fluent than the other kids in the class. I don't have another class to put her in. Should I use the arrangements and variations to broaden her experience? The other kids have their hands full at…
I need suggestions about an 11-year-old girl in a shared lesson with another 11-year-old. They both benefit from the shared setting (both were private until 2 months ago). She practices more since being in the shared situation, and the other student (a boy) is learning to slow down his playing more. The girl is having a much harder time with Alma Mater Blues than the boy is because she is not wanting or willing to slow…
I am starting to get a few inquiries for piano lessons, but I have a hard time expressing the value found in group lessons versus private ones. I know what they are, but I get flustered when that call comes in and I lose my confidence in expressing how awesome group lessons are. I'd appreciate any input you'd be willing to share! Experience them and the more you do, the more…
I have a fairly new student who has completed the Foundation session, the Basics, and Dreams Come True. His friend wants to join him in learning piano, and the mom called me today to say, "May we join the lesson today?". I also have a new student who came to an FIS who will join this group. So now I have a group of three, ages 7, 7, and 9, for this afternoon. They have very…
I have a group of home schooled students. Three are siblings. The oldest one catches on much quicker, and the youngest one struggles, especially with blues pieces. There is one other student in that group from a different family. If they were all different families, I would probably move the oldest and youngest ones to two different groups (assuming I had an appropriately-paced group to move them to). Since they are brother and sisters, I'm not…
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) Introversion vs. Fear (23:46) Managing Behavior Issues (32:59) Managing Different Learning Paces (37:17) Click through the video below to hear Neil discuss the previously stated topics.
In this webinar Neil talks about the Long-Term Relationship Conversation and its importance in and out of the class room. Topics include: Critical Nature of the Long-Term Relationship Conversation (00:00) “Something’s Wrong” Mindset (03:00) The Design of Upset (05:45) Parents/Coaches Who “Don’t Get It” (13:34) Feeling that Coaches are Overwhelmed (21:43) Your Passion & Conviction - the Big Picture (28:56) Dealing with Students’ Prolonged Valleys (32:56) Normalizing Expectations (37:26) Click through the video below to hear Neil discuss the previously…
I've had an inquiry from a mom with three kids, ages 10, 12, and 15. She says she's pretty sure she wants to enroll based on word-of-mouth referrals from friends and has asked if the three kids could be in a class together. I plan on having her come to an information session next week, but I haven't yet answered her question about whether or not the kids could be together. All of my groups so…
In this webinar Neil talks about teaching Shared Lessons, including some teachers' perceived challenges, as well as the many benefits. Topics include: Students Progressing at Different Rates in Shared Lessons (00:16) Understanding & Communicating Benefits of Shared Lessons (02:24) Parental Involvement in Lessons (10:49) Ideal Class Size (12:58) Demographics of Students in a Shared Lesson (14:53) Keeping Everyone Engaged Throughout the Lesson (17:33) Click through the video below to hear Neil discuss the previously stated topics.
Showing articles 1-10 of 144
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