group lessons
A Case of the Blues in Level 4
I have two students, both in Level 4, who have a bad case of the blues….a definite valley syndrome. Neither of them want to mark their playlist, let alone keep all their earlier songs alive. Both moms are very supportive Simply Music moms but they’re struggling…
Room Set Up for Groups
I was wondering how you all set up your groups of 5 or more. I have the chairs arranged in a horse shoe shape. Do you have the moms sitting next to their child of do you separate the kids from the parents? I was…
Optimal Group Size
I was wondering what you consider the optimal size for group lessons. Having lots of kids will probably require more time because they will all want to play their pieces, which is understandable. I find in my first group of little kids, I really have…
Putting Hands Together in a Group Context
I am a new teacher. I teach a small group of 5. Today we put Dreams hands together. I felt that I needed at least 2-3 minutes individual time with each student to help “control the events” on the piano as they put it together.…
Bringing Hands Together (Shared vs. Private)
When you have students unfold the patterns on their (printed) keyboards, do you also have them put both hands together first on their keyboard? I have tried this but found that I can’t watch them all and so don’t know if they are doing it…
Controlling Shared Lessons
I’ve started teaching groups of 3 and 4 lately and I’m enjoying it for the most part. One group of 4 however always seems to be out of control. The parents are helpful in keeping them in control, but I feel like I’m often telling…
Teaching Arrangements to Groups
How do you go about teaching arrangements to a group of 5? They don’t have SHMs, so do you mostly have them learn through watching. But how do you process it into their fingers at the lesson? Do you have them each take a turn…
Teaching Accompaniments in Groups
How does one handle choice of accompaniments in a group? Do they all learn the same ones at the same time or can you have a few going at the same time? How much choice do you give the students over which accompaniment to learn…
Group Lesson Tips & Ideas
As I was making a set of cards for today’s lesson the thought occurred to me that others might like to try some of the ideas I have used so far to help with working together in group lessons. So feel free to give these a go and…
Teaching Every Other Week
I know this is not ideal but I was just wondering if any of you have students that have lessons only every other week? Other than taking a little longer to complete a level, is this manageable? As long as I have other families during…