I've just started giving beginners lessons in February. Each is a half hour. The ages are anywhere from 8 yrs old to 13 yrs. A couple of the 13 yr olds have earned a little bit of standard notation from either playing another instrument, or a basic music course in school.
I am trying to teach all of them basic standard notation, but also throwing in chords and the major scale to keep their interest up.
They come in, I ask how their week was, anything exciting happen. Usual answer is no, or if yes, then a brief explanation of what it was. Then, I check my notes on what their homework assignment was. I have them do the stuff they were assigned. If they had any difficulty, they usually tell me, or it shows. I go over the stuff they may have had a problem with, showing them how to correct it or make it easier.
Then I go over the newer material and let them start that section in the book with me helping. Then I might switch over to the chords or, in the case of two of the students that are making progress fast, work on the chords or fingering of a song they picked.
FOr new material, it's either already in the book we are using, or I have looked at my notes from the previous week and know what I want to give each student. So if it's not in the book, I try have the material already printed and written out, so as to not waste time.
I usually end the lesson about 3-5 minutes from the half hour mark so I can talk with the parents and give them a follow up on how the student is doing, what the student needs to focus on, and see if the parent(s) have any questions.
So far, this system seems to be working. I have given my phone number and e mail address to the parents so 1) they can give me 24 hours notice minimum of they can't make the lesson. 2) e mail me or call if they have a question about the assignment.
A couple of parents haven't told me, but told the owner of the store/studio that they think I'm doing a great job and how much their kid likes the lessons.
I am also flexible in how I approach each student. Some learn faster than others, others show boredom immediately when we do the standard notation. With those, I "make a deal". They learn a certain assignment in the book, I'll show them the chords or part of a song they want to learn.
Seems to be working with one exception. An 8 yr old that wants to learn "Smoke on the Water" and "Iron man", but has no feel for rhythm and his hand strength isn't where it needs to be yet. I have briefly discussed this with his mom. She asked if she could sit in on a lesson and I was quite happy to say yes, as I was going to ask her to sit in so she could see how he sort of makes a half attempt at a certain scale or exercise, then quits and acts bored. Should be interesting next week when she sits in.
Anyhow, so far from the feedback, the half hour seems to be worthwhile for them.
Hope this helps.
Andy S.
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