Two Lessons Per Week
Found in: Adult Students, Practicing & Playlists, Scheduling, Special Needs & Learning Differences, Student Management, Students
Heidi M., Canada
One of my new private adult students (she is practicing diligently, LOVES SM, her playlist so far is very strong) wants to switch from having one (half-hour) lesson per week to two (half-hour) lessons weekly (several days apart) because she is eager to make even faster progress though she is very happy with what she already has gained. I love her enthusiasm but am a bit concerned it could be information overload if we do 2 lessons weekly… Note she does not want to do longer lessons, she prefers two half hour lessons per week.
Just wondering how this kind of situation has worked for some of you out there if you have tried it.
Terri P., Michigan
I think that it may be fine for a little while, until her playlist gets to a size where it will be more difficult to keep it alive. Practicing or playing 30 minutes a day, when you have a playlist of half a dozen songs is pretty easy, and you may want to move faster, do more. But, when your playlist is 40 songs or more, plus you are practicing your new songs, it’s harder to keep that playlist alive.
Ian M., Indiana
Counter-offer with giving her more to do on her own. Accompaniment, arrangements, improv, composing, etc. Check in often though, since as her playlist gets larger, she may need less.
Marsha L., Virginia
Personally, I would much rather do two short lessons a week than longer lessons, at least at the beginning. I think it is ideal! They can digest a little bit of information for a few days and then they’re ready for more. That’s how I went through my teacher training materials. It would have been hard for me to wait a whole week between learning one of those beginning songs. I learned them all in a couple weeks. If your student is willing to do this and you can fit in your schedule, I say go for it! Later she could move to longer lessons once a week if you both find that is better.
Original discussion started August 10, 2018