parental expectations
Parent Participation Videoconference
Hi Teachers, here is a conversation I had with a few Simply Music Teachers about: parent participation in class, setting up the expectations & agreements, how to help a child when his/her parents are not in attendance (but a grandparent is), do teens need a…
Outside Music from School
I have a class of 5 middle-schoolers who love music, and are trying to do every musical activity available to them. They are in Level 3. A couple of them are in the school band (actually an orchestra), and a couple of them are joining…
Shocking Feedback can be Excellent Feedback
I’d like recommendations on how to handle the feedback from this parent. (Please see below.) They’ve missed the last two and have only come to two classes, up to and finishing the “pentatonic” concept. The recreation only allows refund if they’ve requested for it before…
Charge Parent Who Wants to Learn
I had an inquiry from a lady today, she and her daughter both want to learn. I was wondering since I require parents to attend lessons anyway, should I charge only one private fee? Two shared lesson fees? I have a pair like that. I…
Learning to Play By Ear
A parent asked me tonight “when will my daughter be able to hear a song, and just know how to play it with all the chords and in the right key?” I was unsure how to answer this, so of course I told the truth,…
Requirement Success
Sharing a requirement-based success story. I had a family recently whose two children never practiced consistently since they started. I told parents and children consistently the past week before spring break and week following that it wasn’t a problem, but that it wasn’t going to…
Playlist: Parent’s unmet expectations
The parent of a student I’ve had for three years told me that her daughter needs review because she only plays the current songs on her playlist (Level 6). The student’s father travels for months at a time and comes home with expectations to hear…
Parental expectations of reading
I received this email from a parent. Does anyone have any advice I can share with her? This student has completed Time for More Music and plays beautifully. She is just finishing Level 8. This mother is of the opinion that traditionally trained students can…