Balance for your life … Creativity for your studio.
Setting up a routine is important for having a successful year. Not only does it ensure we make time for the concepts we want to teach, it makes time for when we need to step back and let our students lead. For our special needs students, a routine can be the thing that makes piano lessons a safe and enjoyable part of their week. How are you getting ready for back to lessons?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, I’m not talking about kids jingle belling or carolling out in the snow. It’s time to head back into the music studio! And that means getting things ready for student success … including having a multi-faceted approach to practice strategies in place.
It is incredibly important to take regular breaks. Running a studio means staying focused on your business is also a must. What to do? Back in my early years of teaching, one of my bosses pulled me aside one day and said, “Rosemarie, I don’t want you to be a great teacher. I want you…
Let’s Get Outside! Instead of students gazing outside wishing they could be there … move those music lessons from the piano to the backyard with these easy ideas!
Maybe it’s my special needs teaching background. Maybe, it has to do with teaching at private schools. Or, maybe I just feel a deep desire to be organized (or at least feel like I’m mostly organized). Whatever the reason really is, each summer I make annual student growth plans. Why would I subject myself to…
At this time of year, I am always torn between finishing out the year with a bang & wanting to get going on next year’s plans. So this week, I wanted to share the articles & ideas that kept my excitement up … during a time of year that typically leads to burn out.
One of my biggest successes from last year was the addition of a travel music lab. My students who were in lab had a lot of fun & learnt so much at the same time.
Over the summer, I like to make a list of tasks that I want to accomplish before the rush of a new school year starts. While I like to relax as much as the next person, there is something about extended periods of doing nothing that just doesn’t work for me.
Rather than making a big list (like I usually do), this year I thought I would focus on big-picture goals or ideas that I could easily get into … once the euphoria of lazing on the deck wears off.
Here are the resources that will help me reach those big picture goals!
Okay! Last lessons have been taught, recital is over, and schedule is done (or, as close to done as it will be)! What’s next? A little bit of time to recharge and then … well that’s up to you.
Over the summer, my brain is ready to absorb new information and reading gives me ideas of how I want to approach things for the new year! Here is my top list of books and articles that have either inspired me, taught me something new, or just make the list based purely on awesomeness!
Last week, we looked at the Dreaded June Slide. It’s that time of year where it is oh-so-easy to just let go & coast to end of the month. But, is that really what’s best for our students?
Regardless of whether your studio runs on regular schedule, holds group lessons, has summer camps, or takes a complete break over the summer months, it’s important to recognize that our students need something different right now. They are tired, both mentally & physically. Plus, with end of year exams, projects, outdoor sports & more out-of-town activities on the weekends … it really isn’t a wonder that our students, their families, & perhaps even us, as teachers, need a change.
These are the apps & activities my students are doing this month to ensure they are summer ready for whatever they choose to play!