claiming territory
Students moving ahead on videos
In response to: “… How do I deal with students who continually move ahead on the videos, even though I have told them not to?…” Students deciding to move ahead on the videos is a problem, and in the long run it sabotages their progress.…
Dealing with an Impatient Student
The following is an email exchange between Carrie L., Michigan and Kim L. Questions and answers were edited and organized in a particular order. She has had prior lesson experience and is very quick and smart. The 2nd lesson her mom mentioned that she gets…
‘Correct’ Fingering – Neil Moore
I have a student who has played in the past, and has a habit of twisting her hands laterally (outwards) when playing chords. She wants to use her own fingering, and complains about having to use the fingering as instructed, and even included on her…
When Students do not bring their Playlist to Lessons
I would like to know what do you say to students or parents when they do not bring their playlist or note books?, or and they bring it but they did not mark it but parents say they practice every day anyway? Also when students are in a…
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…
How Much Time before Refusing to Teach
I have a new sibling group of two consisting of 6 & 7 year old boys. They have had 2 lessons and they are Russian. The 6 year old has been totally uncooperative both lessons to the point of my wanting to refuse to teach…
Difficult Student
I have a question for you. I am teaching my brother, and he loves to play the songs he has learned, but he is very difficult to teach because does not believe he needs all the steps that the teacher (me) says must be done…
Child Resisting Coaching
I have two parents reporting that their children do not like to have parents around or parents correcting them at home during practice. One of the kids is 8. I am inheriting her from another Simply Music teacher who has stopped teaching to further his…
My 75 year old and her Critical Nature
I have a 75 year old private student. She is not patient about the pace of the lessons, how much she learns, etc. All that seems normal for an adult. She complains a lot. So I asked her what her expectations were and they were…
High Maintenance Adult Student
I need help with an adult student who has been my private student for several months. She started as part of a group but her piano partner quit lessons after a short time. I allowed her to continue at the group rate with the understanding…