Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks
It’s a beautiful day here in Maryland– sunny and warmer (65 degrees Fahrenheit). I’m loving it that I can write this blog post from my laptop as I sit in my backyard and let my dogs play. This makes me really appreciate being able to do much of my work (other than of course teaching lessons) from home! It’s been a busy time at Winterhalter Music, as we are gearing up for 4 student recitals on Saturday, May 3rd. Our students have been practicing diligently to prepare, and all of our families are getting very excited about the big day. I can’t wait! 🙂
In other news, beginning next week, I will have two rather than only one assistant helping me with admin tasks. Erin Feng will be joining the Winterhalter Music team as my second assistant. In not too long you’ll get to meet Erin in a post that showcases her. I’m very excited to welcome her to our wonderful team!
Now onto today’s topic….
Last week I discussed what parents should do before their child’s first lesson (either the first music lesson ever or the first lesson with a new teacher). If you missed it, check that article out here. Today I’m going to discuss the same topic, but from a student’s angle– how can a student ensure the first lesson goes the best it possibly can?
My suggestions for students are below:
#1: Have an open mind
This will help tremendously. Come to the lesson open, receptive, and without preconceived thoughts or judgments about the lessons (what they’ll be like) or the teacher (how the teacher will teach). If you have preconceived notions and things don’t go as you expected, it may surprise and confuse you. On the other hand, if you stay open, you’ll be receptive to whatever the lessons and teacher will bring you, which honestly may be better than what you originally anticipated.
Along the same lines:
#2: Be receptive to teacher feedback
As a teacher it’s our job to teach our students how to play an instrument and to help them grow as much musically as possible. We always give feedback in a kind, loving, compassionate way. Comments about things that can be changed or improved with a student’s piece can range from:
- check your notes
- add more dynamics
- check your rhythm
- follow the articulation
- don’t change tempos, etc, and so on.
Very rarely a student may be sensitive and take the teacher’s comment personally. Keep in mind that teachers never intend any feedback on your playing to be taken personally. We love teaching and want lessons to be fun and enjoyable. Part of making them fun and enjoyable means having a good relationship with our students. Stay open to teacher feedback and really listen to what your teacher has to say and see how it can help you improve as a musician. If you do this, you will get a lot farther in your lessons than if you take every comment as a personal jab attack.
#3: Share your lesson thoughts
Tell your teacher as much background information as you can:
- why you want to take lessons
- why you selected that instrument you did
- what type of music you enjoy, etc.
Teachers want their students to love their lessons. The more we know about you and your motivations, the better we can serve you.
This same information can be shared by the parent to the teacher if the child is young or is shy.
#4: Be prepared to practice
Immediately after that first lesson, your teacher will ask you to practice to prepare for your lesson in a week. He or she will explain what practicing is (if you don’t already know) and will explain how to do it and what the practice expectations are. For more information on how to practice effectively, check out this post. For tips on how long to practice, click here. If you’d like to use a practice chart, you can find out more about that here. Even though you’ve just started, you’ll want to get yourself in the habit of practicing regularly even from that very first week. The sooner you build a habit around practicing, the better!
Thanks so much for reading! Now I want to hear from you? Students: How did you prepare for your first lesson? Teachers: what do you think of these questions? Do have have anything to add to this conversation? Leave a comment below with your thoughts. If you haven’t already share this with your friends, subscribe to the newsletter, “like us” on Facebook.
Enjoy your day!
Sincerely,Cassie
{ 0 comments… add one now }