Starting first group
Found in: Shared Lessons
Carol Z., Ohio
I’m starting a group of siblings this week, ages 10, 11, and 13. They transferred from another teacher, currently in Level 3 and this is my first group. I’m looking for suggestions for extra projects for the oldest one while maintaining the program for the three of them together.
Joanne D., Australia
If you need to give the 13-year-old more, just look at arrangements or variations of older repertoire. You may find the eldest might not even need it – often I find the younger ones are more switched on with learning the pieces and teach the older ones.
Stephen R., California
Make sure you use the keypads. They can be mounted at a copy center. You could give the faster student extra variations or arrangements. Have them compose or look at a song from a fake book if you’re into the Accompaniment program. They need to be moving together in the Foundation and Reading programs.
Kerry V., Australia
Do not be surprised if the younger ones do better than the older one. Never assume the older is better. I’ve had many cases it has been the other way around. Look at each one as individual people, not siblings in an order or age. Have fun with it!
Elizabeth G., Australia
You could use the Duet and Variation books as extra projects. That way the student could accompany the Foundation level pieces for the rest of the class! There is a detailed audio for the students with the books, so it is not extra work for you.
Bernadette A., California
At the ages where they are at, I would go at the same pace. The 10-year-old will be able to keep up because s/he is old enough. It won’t be too much difference. Keep it moving and challenging so they all won’t be bored.
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
There are lots of duets they can do even just using Foundation pieces and arrangements in addition to Elizabeth’s program.