This week I added my new favorite tool for teaching virtual lessons!
I have a mic stand with an attached phone holder for an overhead view of the piano. This has helped my students have more productive lessons for several reasons.
My younger students can easily see what I am playing and better understand what they need to do differently. (Many of my very young students needed some concrete examples of I see you playing F # but I need you to play B etc rather than just my words, they can read music but were just need some extra reinforcement)
It’s helped me explain fingering more efficiently: I was recently teaching a new student about finger cross overs and once she saw an overview of the keys and me demonstrating it finally clicked)
Lessons are more efficient
I can easily demonstrate technique I want students to implement.
To parents, it’s a huge plus that I am doing everything I can to make virtual lessons as similar to in person lessons as possible.
I saw Melody Payne post a pic of her set up and I then purchased this mic stand to hold my phone, and this bike phone holder (which I attached to the mid stand to hold my phone). I am also now providing these to any employee who requests them.
Like most other teachers in the US we converted our studio of over 10 teachers (teaching voice, violin, and piano) to virtual lessons at the beginning of last week.
I thought it would be fun to keep track of the things I’ve learned, new things we implement each week, and what doesn’t work.
Like most studios, we also have and I think will continue to see a drop in the number of students continuing with online lessons.
Right now our focus is bringing quality instruction integrated with virtual lesson for our current students. Were also trying to add more value for the same price so everyone feels they are coming out ahead including both teachers and students.
I have found zoom works best, though facetime is my second choice. I like having two views, one of the keys and one of my face. I have the computer on my face and currently ordered a mic stand to make the view of the piano keys easier. Until this comes in I am leaning my phone against the end of the piano and will adjust by hand as needed for aerial views. I will alternate what students can primarily view with the “feature video option”.
Things I found helpful: Keeping a copy of the students music on hand assists with communication I like uploading worksheets and more to My Music Staff so students can practice with extra resources during this time. I’m offering a free practice session for any who wants to join once a week on Thursdays from 1 to 1:45. I personally have a zoom pro account but most of my instructors do not and it is working fine. We have been extending some extra grace for missed lessons. In Lieu of a die to practice sections, repetition, etc. I found an app for a random number picker. You can set the numbers to choose from. A white board and dry erase marker Discuss measures vrs lines (I might have inwardly cringed when I had to do this!)
Problems I’m still working to solve: What will this look like in the long term? How can our studio continue to grow during this time? (we’ve all lost students, which is income we need to replace) I found that constantly turning on the piano bench makes my neck sore Today I am going to try a swivel chair to try and solve this problem. What is our plan for teacher illness beyond 1 week, who will sub etc.
Do you have students who claim to practice but you never see much improvement? You keep giving the same assignments to week after week, parents say they hear them practice, but you don’t hear any change?
This is a clear sign that “practice” might be happening but it’s not productive or effective. Many students view practice as sitting down to play their song through a few times. But as teachers we know practice is much more than this! And it’s important for us to remember that all students need to taught and reminded what productive practice looks like.
I like to teach my students the 5 aspects of a productive practice session.
1. Musical Tool Box: Every musician has a musical tool box. Use various tools from you musical “tool box” to address practice “trouble spots” such as counting aloud, tapping rhythms, hands alone, slow practice, etc.
2. Sections: Practice is more than just sitting down and playing a piece straight through, students need to pull out tricky sections focusing on the assigned material and goals for the week. And students often need to be reminded of this regularly!
3. Correct Repetitions: Students need to play sections correctly at least 4 times to make any measurable amount of progress. I find students often forget this, or they forget to practice mindfully making sure each repetition was correct.
4. Fun: Let’s not forget practice can also be fun! For younger students it’s helpful and more fun to include a practice game such as this fun game!
5. As students progress in their playing abilities and maturity in practice it is important to remember to teach them how to evaluate their own playing during each session, how set appropriate goals, and apply the needed tool to accomplish those goals.
Check out this fun game to help encourage young students to practice effectively!
It’s important to remember that no student is perfect and there will be days students are only able to sit and play a song through. And that’s OK! It’s important to be realistic in our goals and standards as well as encouraging and challenging.
A note to new students: Productive practice is learned in stages as students grow and mature. Students just starting lessons should be focused on building the habit of consistent practice. Typically their pieces are short at this time as well so simply playing their pieces through or applying only one tool from their tool box, such as counting aloud, should be considered a wonderful accomplishment! In time they will also learn to break songs into sections and set weekly and daily practice goals as well.
What do you think the most important aspects of productive practice are? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from purchased products at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Music Teaching Adventures!
I love to read, and I really like to read in the fall when the weather is just beginning to cool down a bit! So I thought it would be fun to share what I have been reading this year, and hear if y’all have any great suggestions for what to read next!
This first set of books focuses on piano teaching and or running a business. I think it’s important as a teacher not only to grow in running a music business but also that we make a conscious effort to grow as music instructors as well. We owe it to our students to be constantly growing and maturing as teachers so we can develop better and more effective ways to encourage and assist students in reaching their full potential. I believe the mark of a truly excellent vs. a mediocre teacher is the continual desire to learn more about our students, the world we live in, and how we can most effectively reach students.
The Mindset of 100,000 Piano Teacher by Kristin Yost
I thoroughly enjoyed Kristin’s newest book! I read Kristen’s first book many years ago when it first came out (“How I made 100,000 my first year as a piano teacher”). At the time when I read her first book, I was also just beginning to grow and establish my business and found much of the first book helpful. Kristen’s newest book is wonderful and well worth the read. At just around 90 pages it is a quick read but full of knerals of wisdom. In the book Kristin goes into more detail about opening her music studio and streamlining the process of running a music school. But even if one is not planning to open a large commercial studio this book is a wonderful addition asl the principals can be applied to a music studio of any size! Kristin also shares some of her personal teaching philosophy as well, which makes for a fun encouraging read.
The Piano Practice Physicians Handbook by Nicola Cantan
I ran across this book while browsing Amazon one day. Nicola takes many technique challenges students struggle with and gives creative suggestions for helping student learn to improve. This book is not so much intended to be read through in one sitting (though you could) but as a resource for when you need a fresh suggestion in your studio. Nicola’s premise is that students need to practice effectively not just “more” and so she not only gives fun ways to work on rhythm but also effective ways to assign practice at home.This isn’t just a great resource for the new teacher but as a teacher with over 15 years of experience I always enjoy a fresh perspective.
Coffee with Ray by Nick Ambrosino
This book has been out a while so you have probably heard of it already if not read it. But I hadn’t had the chance to read the book yet, so decided to pick it up. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline format and philosophy of the book is such a good reminder. It’s a short fun read so if you haven’t made time to read this I suggest you pick up a copy. I enjoyed this book alot and am looking forward to reading “Lessons with Matt” (the 2nd in the series) soon!
The Savvy Music Teacher by David Cutler
I just started reading this book, and though I haven’t gotten far I am thoroughly enjoying the book. This is a much longer read but so far it has been worth my time. Some of the concepts in this book are not new to me, such as charging enough etc. but instead of stopping there, as so many books do, he also goes on to emphasize how all musicians need multiple sources of income, ideas for such, and what those would look like.
These last two books are just for fun!
Because I usually don’t finish teaching until after 7:00pm most nights I am often in need of a quick super, but I also want it to be healthy. I have enjoyed trying the recipes in the Skinnytaste slow and fast cookbook. And some of them have become regular meals that can quickly be prepared.
Note: I have found her recipes usually taste ok, though I learned I often prefer to tweak the seasonings a bit as I like more flavor. This is also considered a healthy cookbook, so if your looking for a classic pot-pie recipe this isn’t the right book for you. But if you are looking for a quick healthy meal then there are some great suggestions.
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
This is another fun book! I love historical fiction and this was a particularly excellent book. It is based on the lives of three women who lived during WWII, in three different environments and life experiences and how their stories intersect. Though the basic facts about their life are accurate there are fictional details woven in as well. Because the topic is WWII and the holocaust, this book does carry a sad element to it but I did not find the book depressing at all but an all around interesting and enjoyable read.
I often find I don’t have time to read, but because I enjoy it so much I decided to give audible a try. I finish many more books by listening to them then I do reading. Some public libraries also have some free listening apps available to their members, it’s worth looking into if you enjoy reading but don’t actually have time to sit and read.
What are some of your favorite books, either business or just for fun? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Over the past 10 years of teaching I have learned many valuable skills running my business. (Really it’s been a few more than 10 but 10 seems like a good round number for this post!) I’ve tried things that didn’t work at all, and I found things that were a perfect fit for me and my studio! With the end of the 2017/2018 school year coming soon I thought it would be fun to reflect on some of the most valuable things I have learned over the past years.
1. Have a studio Policy and stick to it
When I first started teaching in highschool I didn’t even know I should have a studio policy. I will forever be grateful for one of my teachers helping me create my very first studio policy. My studio policy has been through many revisions since then to help fit my current studio. I like to review my policy once a year to make sure it still meets my needs. Do you have a studio policy you like? Or could it use a refresh? If you need ideas check out this post here.
2. Know when it’s time to extend grace on a studio policy
Having a studio policy has been great and has protected both me and my business but I also have learned it’s important to know when to extend grace. It certainly isn’t common for me to make exceptions to my studio policy but I think it’s important to remember we are all human and sometimes we all need grace.
3. Not all students should take lessons from me
Trial lessons aren’t just for a student and parent to see if they like me. They are also for me to see if the student is a good match for my teaching style and studio. Occasionally I get inquiries for lessons from students that I feel would be a better match for a different teacher. For example:I have practice expectations in my studio, and though I have created a fun and motivational way to encourage students to practice in general I find that if students want to take lessons but plan to practice less than 4 days a week they probably aren’t a good fit for my studio. I typically find a trial lesson is a great place to learn more about a student. Looking for ideas on what to do in a trial lesson? Check out this post here.
4. Find ways to keep lessons fun and engaging
I have found asking students between the ages of 5-10 to sit on the bench for a 30min lessons is tough for them. So I started including fun off the bench activities in the last 5 min of the lesson. The increase in retention of theory concepts was amazing! In fact studies supported what I was seeing; that students learn best when playing interactive games and activities. Games and activities have also become a great way to set my studio apart from other studios.
5. Have a Plan
Eight years ago I set a 5 year, 10 year, and 15 year plan for my business By having a plan I had a clear direction I needed to head in to achieve the goals I wanted. I took a few detours along the way, some of my goals changed, and some were modified to fit my life better but I am so grateful I took that time to write down my goals. Writing down my goals helped me discern which opportunities were right for me and which ones to pass up. I continue to set both long term goals and annual a goals that help keep me focused and motivated.
6. Find a Niche, know who are as a piano teacher
Just as not all students are a good fit, I don’t have to meet the needs of every student who wants lessons. Finding a niche helped me know what students I enjoy working with and am most successful teaching. There are some things I am great at and some things I am not. I found that it’s good to learn new things but it’s also important to acknowledge when that’s just not my strength or passion and to send a student to a colleague instead. Finding a niche also helped me articulate my advertising and website copy to better attract students that are great fits for my studio.
7. Find a work life balance
The most common thing I hear from other teachers and have experienced myself is burnout. When I first started teaching I was so inspired to teach budding musicians who love music but in the midst of the day to day I got frustrated. Student’s didn’t practice as much as they should, and not everyone appreciated my efforts as much as I had hoped they would. And I felt overwhelmed keeping up with the many hats I wear as business owner: teaching, marketing, accounting, business growth, etc.
I found I am a much happier and successful teacher and a more productive business owner when I keep a work life balance.
At the beginning of the school year I plan any time off that I want to take during the year. During these days/time off I either plan a staycation or a trip. I also find it’s important to allow time in my weekly schedule to recharge. In addition to my weekend, which is Sunday/Monday I usually make sure there is at least one morning a week that does not have any lessons scheduled and I finish earlier on Fridays.
8. Hire a virtual assistant
About two years ago I discovered I was spending a full day each week working on billing, following up on payments and other administrative tasks. I decided to hire a virtual assistant to help keep up with the billing. This has been one of the best choices, and one that also helped me continue to grow the business while still maintaining a reasonable work life balance. If your studio is over 60 students you need a virtual assistant. Your virtual assistant can do everything from payments and emails to any administrative tasks that you aren’t directly needed for. The time they spend on these projects you can either use for more teaching and teaching prep or finally get that much needed work life balance.
9. Attend continuing education
One of the most valuable ways I have spent money and time as a teacher is taking continuing education classes. Continuing education classes have inspired me as a teacher, given me new ideas for ways to work with students, kept me refreshed, and continued to motivate me to be the best teacher to my students that I can be. If your feeling a little weary or just needing something fresh to try in lessons I encourage you to take a class, and learn a new skill or tool to use with your students.
10. Have fun!
Not every day is easy, but overall I love my job! I get to share my love for music with the next generation. Sometimes it’s challenging but the rewards of seeing student’s musical skills blossom is worth the effort. When things get stressful, I try to remember that I’m not a physician or attorney. No one’s life depends on my surgical skills (thankfully!) , and no business deals will fall through if I get sick. It’s true that not all students are easy to work with. I have students that challenge me to grow as a teacher and challenge me to think of things in new creative ways. Many of the tools I have developed for teaching I thought of because a student had a need. Though I have found not all students are for me, I also try to remember that I can learn from each experience. When I allow students to grow my experiences and skills, I also become a better teacher and have more fun in the process.
