A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
No none wants to spend all of their vacation working on studio projects. But, no one wants to be flooded with work when they get back from vacation. So, what to do?
Tag: Lesson Prep
Teaching Sound Before Sight or The Chicken vs. The Egg Dilemma
Whether it’s Pestalozzi, Mason, Suzuki or Gordon the idea of teaching aurally before getting students to read goes back hundreds of years. Yet many teachers tend to teach music from the notation first & aurally second. When it comes to a practical approach of teaching sound before sight it can feel a bit like the…
How to Plan a Multi-Level Group Lesson
Planning group lessons is a wonderful way to increase social engagement in your studio. Holding a multi-level group lesson may seem like a nightmare in the making. But, it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning, multi-level group lessons throughout the year could be just the thing your students rave about. And, if you…
Thinking Outside the Box … Looking Ahead When Things are Uncertain
Wouldn’t it be great if you could look in a crystal ball to see what is coming up? It would certainly save a lot of time & wondering, wouldn’t it? But, alas it not meant to be. While looking ahead is important, we don’t get to know all the answers. And, that isn’t necessarily a…
Helping Special Needs Students Adjust to Online Lessons
Moving your studio online can be a wonderful opportunity for students to learn in new ways & stay connected with you even when you can not be in the same physical place. However, some students may need a little more than, “We are moving online! Here’s how!” Specifically helping special needs students adjust to online…
Level It Up (In Your Bookcase)!
Do you ever get the sense that your studio repertoire is taking over the bookshelves? You know the song you’re looking for is there. But, is it on this shelf? Or, perhaps in this area? Knowing how to organize your studio repertoire is crucial in managing time in lessons & minimizing prep time. When I…
Keeping Studio Information at Your (Digital) Fingertips
Gone are the days when we could keep our information in file cabinets & bookshelves. In today’s studio, we need digital information that can be accessed immediately. Today’s students & their parents are used to finding information with a quick search online. As a studio owner, if you have to search your shelves or file…
How to Create a Curriculum Plan: Part 2
A curriculum plan gives guidance to your teaching. But, when you individualize programming that is when the magic happens in your studio. This is when students & parents rave about how your studio fits them exactly. And, when students feel like they have a part in their piano lessons.
How to Create a Curriculum Plan (Part 1)
One of the hardest parts of being an independent instrument teacher is creating a curriculum plan. When you know what to teach, it is so easier to guide students throughout the year so they make consistent progress. Unlike teaching in a school system, there is no governing board that determines what you will teach each…
How to Give Students Choice … With Boundaries
Does the idea of giving up control in your studio make you nervous? Giving students choice, with boundaries, doesn’t have to be hard. It means they play the music they love while you teach what needs to be taught. While it may seem like an all or nothing situation, giving students choice in your studio…