shared lessons
Starting first group
I’m starting a group of siblings this week, ages 10, 11, and 13. They transferred from another teacher, currently in Level 3 and this is my first group. I’m looking for suggestions for extra projects for the oldest one while maintaining the program for the…
Merging private students into groups
What do you do when you are down to one student from a group and there is no suitable group that works for that student? And you know that although they want to continue, they will quit because of the higher private rate and a…
Scheduling group lessons
How do you schedule lessons? I’m having a bit of growing pains, trying to keep and develop larger groups. Do you set the times, then contact parents and students with times, or do you ask for available times first? I’ve got people who wait and…
Webinar Series: 05/25/2017 – Piano – Request as Distinct from Requirement
In this webinar Neil clarifies the difference between requests and requirements and discusses the crucial role these play in your studios. Topics include: Distinction Between Request & Requirement (00:09) Consequences for Students (09:39) Students Progressing Slowly (18:27) Teachers Wanting to be Liked (21:19) Addressing Issues…
ADHD student in shared lesson
Has anyone had a successful experience of teaching a student with ADHD in a shared lesson? Student is an 8-year-old boy recently diagnosed. Grandma has taught him a little but hasn’t had any formal lessons. I only teach private lessons. I have one with ADHD.…
Students progressing at different paces
In my first ever shared lesson group (all adults), I am realizing that two of the students are learning considerably faster than the other, although the other one is very enthusiastic and practices a lot. I have slowed the pace of the class down and…
Transitioning traditional students to SM
Brand new SM teacher here. I just completed my ITTM and I’m starting to work on strategy for implementing SM with my current roster of students. I have a lot of questions concerning this process (for teachers that come from traditional) so I wondered first…
Mismatched students in group
I have two girls who have been with me for a little more than 3 years. They are finishing up level 6. One of the girls is doing relatively well, but the second one is not. She is not keeping up with the assignments, doesn’t…
Progress in shared vs private lessons
Someone asked me recently if the progress in group lessons is the same as in private lessons. As I am still a relatively new teacher, I welcome comments from the rest of you on this. I think the progress could be the same; and also…
Group sizes
What’s the largest group size you’ve been comfortable teaching and what age group? I found 6 adults to be an easy group size to work with. Here’s my response to Corinne’s question: The Ideal Size and Age of Groups https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0uZulD7Ekk&list=PL3o0aF_9qHn4F2sy8QRuPb_jf_r4D9823&index=22 I’ve had as many as 10. It…
