Students learning from music book
Found in: Claiming Territory, Coaches, Student Management
Cate R., Australia
I have an 11-year-old that has been learning with me and I have just learned that she is teaching herself from the music book and NOT looking at the videos or listening to the audio files. I couldn’t quite work out what was going on; I’ve been asking questions but I wasn’t getting the right answers. Something wasn’t adding up. I have taken the music book back but I’ll have to follow up with an email to the mother because I know this is a pivotal point on seeing whether she will stick with this or find it all too hard. She had some knowledge of note reading before she started with me and she just figures it out at home. She is just venturing into Level 3 but couldn’t remember how to play Level 2 Minuet in G. Her playlist was excellent, always marked off, always diligent but she can only play with the music book in front of her. I’m sorry to say I thought she had a learning difficulty.
Robin Keehn, Washington
A nice, direct conversation, an agreement and you’re back on track. And then watch her like a hawk!
You decide what is allowed in your studio. In my studio I lay down the law and never ever let things slide. One occurrence is the last one. I address it immediately and publicly. It stops there. Don’t let them do it!!
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
Also, you might want to put more of a focus on Arrangements for a while – that will require her to only use playing-based strategies. And spend more time discussing the diagrams and the tools used in the Foundation songs.
Cate R., Australia
I have the same thing with a dad. I took the music book from them and told them to use the SM strategies because at the moment they’re learning Dad Music not Simply Music.
Jacqui G., Canada
It was easier to control when I was in charge of handing out the physical SHMs: I just held back the music books! Of course, you can’t do that with the digital materials. One parent printed out ALL the .pdf files: reference book, music book, notes book, playlist book, evaluation form – and put them in a binder with tabs. Memo to self: from now on, tell students WHAT to print!
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
This is definitely a good opportunity to manage the relationship and set requirements. A great time to go back and listen to ‘Building a Requirement Based Studio’ and ‘The Dynamics of Claiming Territory’ in the Educator Support section of your library.