Simpedia

Cate R., Australia

Mine used to take that long but now it’s done to the half hour that the lesson would normally take. I send them to check out the Simply Music website. The enrollment sheet has the part about make-up policies. I talk about SM briefly, practice expectations, pianos, ordering, coming and going from lessons, and take some time for questions. The rest is unfolded at the first lessons.

Leeanne I., Australia

I give them a copy of my studio policies to take home and read, and tell them to call me if they have any questions. At the first lesson we go over a few things and I answer any questions they have.

Cheri S., Utah

I don’t use face-to-face time for lots of policy stuff. I expect them to read it on their own. I do have a little written checklist to call their attention to certain less-common policies. I view the intro session primarily as an opportunity to begin building a relationship, with me and with SM.

I have them sign the policy sheet and write initials next to the checklist items.

Stephen R., California

I will just have them take my policy home and read it thoroughly, then touch on it during the Foundation Session. I need it back, because I have parents sign it and they get a copy of it.

Kym N., California

I always send them a soft copy before or after the info session. That way they have them even when they return the signed copy.

Jacqui G., Canada

I did a 6-week workshop with four ladies, starting with an introductory session (and Ode to Joy demo) followed by four lessons and a wrap-up session. To keep things down to a reasonable time, I spread the info on policies, practicing, etc over the four classes. Still, one of the ladies told another class member that she wasn’t sure she wanted to continue with lessons because “I talked too much”. Something to be aware of!

Stephen R., California

Good to know, Jacqui. There is a lot of info to communicate in the beginning. I think it’s important to go over the main points in my policy. Now that people sign it, I hold them accountable to what they signed. Students get copies of everything they sign, including the enrollment form, and I keep the masters for myself in my student files. I’m still trying to perfect my Foundation Sessions and I break them up into two parts usually, so we can cover the Basics in lesson 1. I was not really doing Foundation Sessions for so long, but now I realize how important they are. It’s important to talk about all these points in the beginning or issues may arise down the track as I have experienced firsthand with students.

Leeanne I., Australia

I still take an hour to do my intro session, but I make sure potential students get on the piano. I teach Ode to Joy RH and get people to play it on the piano. I think otherwise it seems like a lecture, me standing up talking all the time. I’m interested how you fit it all in a 30-minute session.

Stephen R., California

The Testimonial video is over 9 minutes, which I also now do with almost all Intro Sessions.

Susan M., Canada

My first couple of Intro Sessions took an hour and a half. I follow Neil’s outline and tell them at the beginning that I’ll use my notes because I love what I do and I want to stay on track to respect their time. I highlight the policies like Roles and payment/attendance structure, and give them the policy booklet – one page that summarizes the policies and needs initials and signature. I show the video too and do Ode to Joy demo. It’s now one hour and it’s been well received.

Ruth P., North Carolina

I like to take plenty of time so that we can begin with everyone saying “why I am here” and end with their questions. It seems to make the session more personal and warm. I also take time to show the testimonial video which seems to be effective. I don’t like to rush it because I may be setting the stage to have a long-term relationship with the people sitting there. I want it to start out on good footing.

Lyndel K., Australia

I use it as a lead conversation about ‘What’s different about how I teach’. I play for them and send them home with an enrollment form, policy, business card, and brochure. 30 minutes tops!

Jacqui G., Canada

An hour is about right for the intro session. Get them moving and involved. Remember to ask them questions.