relationship conversation
More on The Relationship Conversation
I’m seeing the effects of not staying on top of some things. One thing I have decided to do this year is to weave more conversations about the learning tools into my lessons, rather than just demonstrating them. My students need a better understanding of…
When students don’t want to play piano anymore
I’d like to get some feedback regarding when students might be in a “valley” or even worse when they are on the verge of quitting. I lost another student today, sadly. His mom said he lost interest and didn’t want to play anymore. He had…
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…
Students Leaving After Learning To Read
I have taken a few students through the Reading process, and I believe it has been very successful. I am currently working through Time For More Music and Jazz 1 with some of those students. Other students, having achieved “reading”, and having a huge repertoire,…
Student Who Wants to Quit
I have a 10-year-old boy who has had 70 lessons in a group with 2 others. He is one of my best students as far as practicing the way I tell him to. He does an excellent job of controlling events and learns his songs…
Letting Go or Making Adjustments
Hello, Teachers. My first subject line was “Talking Points for Not Dropping Out”. But as I was writing this I realized it was more about letting go. I have two students, different families, who want to drop out. They have been with me forever, starting…
Drop-out Rates
I have some students who have started because the parents wanted them to and the result has been, as you may expect, a failure. Other students are a booming success. As I have only been teaching for the past six months, can anyone tell me what is the average…
Retention
What tangible practices have you instigated to ensure the success of students staying long term with you? I have students in level 3 with me now but I want more to stay with me longer. I have allowed parents to ‘have-a-go’ at lessons but I…
Young Child Who Will Not Practice
I need some advice concerning one of my young students. She is one of my favorite students. She has been with me for a year, and has done wonderful for the most part. She catches on real easily and carries out the pieces slowly and…
New Student Frustrated Already
So, I just recently signed up a 6 year old soon-to-be seven year old. She has had one lesson… and I got a phone call from her mom today stating that, her daughter had been getting frustrated. Putting her head down on the keyboard, and…