communication
Keeping the long-term relationship conversation alive
Question for today: What do you do in your studios to keep the Long-term Relationship conversation alive? Plan it in at every set up conversation. I just ask where are they in this relationship. If the answer is in some sort of deep valley then…
New teacher with special needs student
I’m just getting started as a Simply Music teacher. My first class is scheduled for next week, in fact! I have the possibility of enrolling a 14-year-old student who has no thumbs and a communication problem. He’s small for his age, and is of normal…
How do we get students to answer truthfully about their relationship to piano?
I was wondering about a couple of things and if anyone has any advice or thoughts, or can direct me to anything in the library section of the SM intranet for guidance. Here are my questions: How to go about determining and addressing the gap…
Combining special needs student with younger students
I need help to navigate a new challenge. A 10-year-old boy with ADHD/LD has been taking private lessons. His 6-year-old brother is in a shared lesson. This past year, the 6-year-old’s progress has caught up with the older boy so I announced that it was…
Discussing studio requirements with new students
Before I create my own, does anyone have a checklist of all the studio requirements that they inform the parents, either before they start lessons or at a FIS? Here is what I say during my FIS. At the end, I let them know that…
Blogging Advice
I’m wondering if anyone has tips or insights to share on keeping a blog. I’m a bit of a technophobe when it comes to new things, so I’d love anything that can make the experience easier. I’ve recently joined the Facebook world and am enjoying…
Students Quitting
Just received this letter from a mom of twin 8 year olds: “Dear Sheri, I am seeing a tremendous improvement in (my children). I think your program is great, however, they have an interest in Violin. They asked to do Violin instead of Piano and…
Losing Students
How do you respond to a student/and coach who decides after 5 lessons that Simply Music isn’t for them because they don’t get enough teacher time and playing time in a group environment? At this point private lessons are not an option for me to…
Students from Another SM Teacher
I’m looking to start a couple of new students who have come to me after finding themselves in a position where it’s no longer possible for them to study with their original SM teacher. I’ve tried to search Simpedia but haven’t come across anything about…
Chat – Sticking To The Program
Kerry V (Aus) When I started with SM I found that I had to go through a lot of sorting out such as, how to teach clearly, how to have conversations, how to study, etc. Sometimes Neil would have some advice as to how to…