The modern piano teacher’s blog
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.
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 can be easy to feel like what we do in our studio has nothing to do with the community of teachers around us. After all, they aren’t at our lessons each week with our students. They aren’t making decisions that effect whether our clients continue each year.
But, I would disagree with this sentiment. I think that what we do in our studios each year can have a big impact on our community of teachers.
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!
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!
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!
June. The weather is perfect for dinners on the patio, a fantastic fruity drink in hand, kids running around with their friends not to be seen for hours, visiting with friends in the extended evenings & relaxing in the sun (or shade, if you burn like I do).
Or, perhaps your June looks a little more like our home & you are ready for summer to be here.
These are the signs that your students or you are done … & what to do to keep the excitement going until the very last lesson.
I am sure we all have horror stories of ‘those’ clients. The ones that seem to truly think that we sleep under the piano bench, our schedule only involves their family, or our policies don’t actually apply to them. We might love the kids, but the drain of week after week of unreasonable and last-minute requests catch up quickly.
But, it doesn’t have to be this way! Here is a 3-step process to ensure that you get the BEST clients for your studio!