Shared Lessons
Managing Forms and Students Moving
Students often move around from one Shared Lesson to another, or from a Private Lesson to a Shared. How do you keep your Attendance Sheet to reflect these attendances. Sometimes you start a new group and then people move around for some reason so do…
Teens and Piano
I have a handful of teen students most of whom have switched over to SM from traditional experience. I have to say that they cover the gamut of ability, interest and practice regiment. This is a very challenging age group because I have a couple…
Teaching Groups
Just wanted to give you a quick update of how my groups are going. Firstly, 2 of my 3 children’s groups are having a fabulous time. One was a beginners group this year and one is made up of ex-private students who are just starting…
Student Update – Neil Moore
Hi all, Recently I forwarded you a copy of a weekly update that I received from one of our teachers, Diana A.. Her most recent update is also valuable, and as such, I have included an edited transcript. I have left out the students’ names.…
One Student Demoralizing Another
I’m hoping someone has come up with a solution to this problem. I recently had a student leave because there was a student in her group who was able to pick up the songs right away due to her 2-years prior piano experience. The group…
Misbehavior in Class
I have an 8 year old boy who does things like sit in a chair that is not where all the other kids are sitting or he’ll get up when I turn my head and go down the hall way or he won’t watch as…
Comparing Students
I need your opinions/input as to how to intelligently respond to a parent who, after the recital sent an email asking me to share my thoughts: 1. I think my child is moving too slow, isn’t being challenged enough, child is very bright (agreed) WHY?…
Capable Student Processes Slowly
I have a student whose ability is pretty equal with his class, but he processes things much more slowly at first. It’s noticeable enough to be considered a learning disability–he’s plenty bright and capable of mastering the material, but it takes him much longer than…
Bored Student
I have a 5th grade student who is at the top of her class, and in ELP. Levels 1 & 2 she loved and always came to lessons prepared and excited. This year has been a struggle. She is almost done with level 3 but…
Objections to Keypads & Shared Lessons
During the Q&A section of a recent FIS, I was asked how lessons are conducted in groups with only one piano? I explained how we first process the information by getting the patterns into our hands on the keypad, and then taking turns at the…