New student with extensive prior experience
Found in: Students with Prior Experience
Gabrielle K., Iowa
I’m about to start a student with 8 years of traditional experience. Besides my own very similar experience (8 years of traditional lessons + 6 years teaching myself + SM) and the audio tracks on this subject in the Library, does anyone have any tips or things I should be aware of from a teaching perspective going in?
Robin Keehn, Washington
There is a lot to say! First, be sure not to get out the music book in class as a reference. Your student could misconstrue that as permission to use it at home. Be very clear that he/she is not to read any pieces but should watch Neil. Then pay attention. You’ll know if they are reading at home.
The other thing I do is delay reading as long as possible. With students who have a strong background in reading, I’ve delayed as long as level 7. I wanted to ensure they had a strong playing-based experience before reading.
When this student does our reading program, he/she will have to decide to let the old way of knowing go. It’s a decision. Ask me more if you want to.
Leeanne I., Australia
I have just started a very experienced student. I asked him to approach the early material as if he was learning in order to teach. This approach seems to be working well. We did Night Storm this week and the student really like the song.