A family that I recently began teaching reminded me that I had a blog… and the one entry I had impressed them… so I thought maybe I should get back on that blog horse and try again…

 

This is the time of year when we start to get new students.  I can tell you, I know that it is nerve wracking for a student to start something new-new lessons, new teacher-  but it is equally nerve wracking for a teacher to meet with a new student!  I get both nervous and excited to meet new students.  Here are some things I am thinking about:

 

               Will they like me?

               Will they sing well?

               What kind of music will they like?

               Will they be receptive to my ideas?

               Can I help this person be a better singer?

 

I am the type of person that is very intuitive.  I really feel like I can “read’ a lot of people.  Every once in a while, there is that student that takes me a longer time to “read” and get to know.  Sometimes I am even nervous about teaching those people at every lesson because I don’t know what to do with them.  It is like being blind!  Eventually, we are able to establish a relationship, and I can get into the groove of teaching them.  Here are some questions that I may use to try to get to know them.

 

               What kind of sports do you play or like? 

                              I am not a very sporty or athletic person, but I do know that there is a direct comparison to the amount of discipline needed for sports and music.  You can often make comparisons for students directly to the sports they play or enjoy.

               What Movies, TV Shows, books do you like?

                              Using pop culture to help in teaching is very important.  You need to be able  to relate to the students.  And, if they think you are a stuck up opera-loving nerd, they will not feel any need to relate to you.

               What music do you like to listen to?

                              Along with pop culture knowledge, it is good to be able to know a little about the pop music.  Of course, you can stress that that doesn’t mean you get to sing those song in lessons, but its ok to like music outside of what you are learning in your lessons.

              

Engaging your students in conversation that interests them is important.  It makes them feel like you respect their opinion, and helps them to open up to you.

 

So, here’s to a great new year of teaching, and meeting wonderful new students!