Recital Schmecital - Preparing for Your Music Studio Recital, Part 3

This is a continuation of my series on how to plan a great music studio recital.  Part one includes a downloadable preparation checklist.  Awesome!

Part two of this music recital planning series includes a downloadable, customizable, printable recital invitation!

As promised, today's post is a continuation of part two (maybe it should be called "part 2B"?  Nah, I'm sticking with "part 3" for today's post), with a brand new design for recital invitations!  Yay!  This particular design would be great for a holiday recital, so I wanted to post it up now, since the holidays are coming up fast.

Download your recital invitations, then click here for instructions on how to customize them!

Be sure to comment below if you use these and let me know how it goes!

UPDATE: Spring Recital Invitations and Fall Music Recital Invitations are now available for free!

 

Transfer Student 101 - Transitioning Your New Music Students

Not all of your new students will be brand new beginners.  Some will transfer from other teachers, which is awesome, but has its unique challenges at times.  This post addresses ideas to help for a smooth transition.

Get-to-know-you Interview

Holding a get-to-know-you interview with the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) can benefit all parties.  You can get a feel for the skills acquired by the student already, and can assess their level of playing.  You can get to know the student and vice versa, so you have a better idea about whether the personalities are a good match.  The parents can see you in action and also feel confident of their decision to hire you.  I like to offer these interviews for free, and they only last a few minutes, but I find them very essential.  Doing this interview (by the way, I don't like to call it an "audition", because that sounds too scary for little kids) can eliminate problems down the road.  I will put up a post soon with ideas on how to conduct the interview, so stay tuned!

"But my other teacher said this..."

This one makes me laugh every time I hear it.  Not in a mocking way of course, because I'm sure other teachers are doing their best and I'm sure most of the time the students simply misunderstood the teacher's directions.  Hearing a student say these words in itself is not so much a problem, but when it's coupled with resistance to starting anything new or making any changes, then this can cause issues.

It is essential to build up good rapport and trust with the new student.  They were comfortable and familiar with their past teacher, and they are making adjustments and getting to know you starting from nothing.  Show kindness and encouragement, and most of all be very patient with the student.  Take time to get to know the student beyond music, such as sports, hobbies, interests, school, family, etc.  This helps to earn trust and shows you are interested in the student as an individual.  You'll be surprised the things you hear from your students when you stop to listen, and I think this is an important role we play as teachers, and also helps us tailor our teaching to meet the individual's needs.

One of the best ways to address this has to do with the wording you choose.  Instead of saying, "No, your other teacher was wrong, this is how you do it...", simply say, "Okay, well now that you have learned so much about the violin, you are advanced enough and ready to do it this way..."  By saying it this way, you are not discrediting what the former teacher taught (which probably was taught correctly but misunderstood by the student anyway), and you are helping the student feel confident in their abilities and ready and excited to move forward.

Correcting Sloppy Habits

I choose ONE thing at a time to master; otherwise, it's too overwhelming for the student (and you!).  Try setting small goals with the student and add on as they master these, rather than trying to change everything at once.

Most often, it's best to leave all the old pieces behind, even if they aren't completely mastered yet, and start fresh with new pieces.  This is exciting for the student to learn new pieces, and you can start with a clean slate instead of trying to fix engrained habits in old pieces.

Give the Other Teacher the Benefit of the Doubt

This may be unnecessary to say, but I feel like saying it anyway.  I'm ashamed to admit that there have been a time or two when I have received a transfer student and thought, "What the heck were you learning with your other teacher??"  But I assure you that I don't do that anymore (maybe because I'm more mature now and I'm not 14 years old anymore...)!  As music professionals, it's important to remember that we are all doing our best, and as I talked about earlier, if we see problems with a student's technique or other things, it may be that the student misunderstood, or was in the process of making changes and corrections when they switched to you.  I remember one student, who was a transfer student to me, who had poor intonation and struggled with shifting.  We worked on ear training and scales and a number of other things, and I tell you what, that student made SO much progress!  She wasn't quite 100%, though, when I moved out of state, and I'm not sure which teacher she ended up going to next, but I remember feeling self-conscious and wondering what the other teacher would be thinking about me as a teacher.  I didn't want the next teacher to think I allowed my student to play out of tune, or that I didn't take measures to fix the problem.

So, my whole point here is: give the other teacher the benefit of the doubt, and certainly keep a good professional relationship by not bad-mouthing other teachers.  Heaven forbid someone might be thinking the same untrue things about you, which you certainly don't want.  Be kind, respectful, professional, and give the benefit of the doubt.  And then move on.

Just a thought I wanted to share, even though I'm sure you all are already awesome in this regard.

If you have other ideas that helped with transfer students, or issues you'd like to discuss, feel free to leave a comment below.

Free Staff Paper Download

This post was inspired by my days as a poor undergrad student.  I was too cheap to actually pay for manuscript paper, so, trying to be resourceful, I created my own.  So I thought I'd share it with you so you can use it for yourself or for your students.

Free Printable Manuscript Paper

As with all the downloads, these are for your personal use, meaning don't go trying to sell them or claim them as your own work.  You may download and print them in small quantities for your own use, but please don't sell.  Thanks!

There are three sizes of downloadable, printable manuscript paper:

• Regular size music staff paper
• Landscape regular size music staff paper
• Large music staff paper

I especially love the large staff for young students.

Now go compose some music or teach some music theory or something!

Recital Schmecital - Preparing for Your Music Studio Recital, Part 2

Free Customizable, Printable Recital Invitations

As promised in part one of this series on preparing for your music studio recital, I have finally finished preparing some awesome Recital Invitations!  I think these are great to use for a fall recital.  UPDATE: Spring and Winter Recital Invitations are now also available!  These are so cute, they are free, they are downloadable, they are customizable, and they are printable.  And they are easy.

To get started, just download this Word document, which includes my design inserted as a picture in the document.  To customize and finish up your invitations, just follow the simple steps below:

1. Open your downloaded Word document (it will show up as a Google doc, and you will have to actually save it to your computer)
2. Click the "Insert" ribbon at the top, then "Text Box" (this might be different on a mac)
3. Choose the style of text box you want from the menu.  I chose "Simple Text Box"
4. Move your new text box around until you have it where you want it next to "Date:"
5. Add your customized text in whatever font/size/color you choose.
6. Change the text box fill and outline:

• Mouse over the outline of the text box so you see a four-directional arrow appear.  Double click to show the "Text Box Tools Format Menu" in the ribbons at the top (or right-click and choose "Format Text Box".  This may be different with a mac)
• Choose "Shape Fill", then "No Fill"
• Choose "Shape Outline", then "No Outline"

7. Repeat steps 2-6 above for "Time:" and "Place:"
8. Align the text boxes how you want them, print, cut each page into four awesomely cute invitations, and give to your students to pass out to family and friends.
9. Give yourself a high five because you are finished!

Ready to give it a try?  Download your free recital invitations now!  Then let me know how it goes.

If something isn't working or if you have any other questions, please comment below or send me an email on the contact page.

UPDATE: Spring Recital Invitations and Winter Music Recital Invitations are now available for free download!

Overcome Your Fear of Teaching

I was fourteen when I started teaching private violin lessons, and even younger when I started private language tutoring.  I remember feeling a little intimidated at first, and I wasn't sure what to do or say.  My mom, who has decades of piano teaching experience, was the best coach I could ask for!  As I talk with other teachers now, I have come to think that fear or intimidation is a common feeling for those starting out with teaching.

So how can you overcome your fear of teaching?  Of course everyone is different, and the fear could have different sources.  I don't know that there is one answer to help every person.  You can start by asking yourself what you are afraid of or what intimidates you.  Ask yourself what the source is.  If you can figure that out, then you are on the road to finding a solution.

I have just a few suggestions, which might be helpful to you.

1. First of all, remember that you know more than they (your students) do!  Otherwise you wouldn't be teaching, and they wouldn't be students.  Tell that to yourself over and over.  You know your stuff.  You are qualified to teach, or else you wouldn't be doing it.  If you do feel there are holes in your own musical training, consider continuing private instruction yourself.  Remember, the best teachers are those who never stop learning.  Set goals for yourself, and then work toward reaching them!

2. Continue your own education by reading useful books, research articles, and blogs, gaining ideas from other teachers, and expanding your teaching resources pool.  Join professional organizations and attend music teacher conferences and seminars.  Make goals based on what you learn.  And then do them.  Become familiar with new lesson books and repertoire so you feel you have a sufficient well of pieces to pull from and can tailor your teaching to the needs of individual students.  Never stop learning and expanding.

3. Use your network!  Reach out to other teachers, whom you feel are highly qualified.  Ask to observe other teachers' lessons.  I have found this to be one of the best ways to learn how to teach.  You can read and read about teaching ideas and methods, but seeing it in action is quite another thing.  Set goals based on what you see, and then do it!

4. Besides observing lessons, don't be afraid to ask for help and suggestions from other teachers.  It can be as simple as, "I have a student who is struggling with such and such.  What do you recommend trying?  What has worked for your students?"  Or, if you feel comfortable (and who really does?  Just do it anyway), ask other teachers, whom you trust, to observe you teaching and give you feedback.  And then take their constructive feedback and set goals for yourself and then work toward them!

5. Observe yourself and self-evaluate.  Find a video recorder, get permission from your students, and then record yourself teaching a few lessons.  Jot down notes of things you did well (Very important!  Don't skip this!) and things you'd like to improve.  Then set goals and do it!

6. The very best way to feel comfortable with teaching is to teach.  Teach, teach, teach!  If you just dive in and do it, you will begin to trust yourself, you will gain confidence as you learn and improve, and as you see your students improving and gaining a love for music.  There is no better confidence booster than to have that five-year-old student hand you a blue glass marble and a dime and say, "Thanks, Miss Megan!"  (True story!)  Or to have that 11-year-old, who used to hate lessons, draw you a picture of a violin with a heart.  (Also a true story!)  Or to have parents refer their friends to you because their own kids have learned so much and they have confidence in you.  (Also true!)  Oh, and set goals for improvement, and then do them! :)

7. And did I mention: set realistic, specific, measurable, meaningful goals for yourself? ;)

Reaching goals can improve your confidence as a teacher.

• Write down your goals, including everything listed below.
• Don't just set general goals, such as "Get better at teaching".  Be specific, for example: "Ask more effective questions while teaching."
• But that's not the end yet.  Why is this goal important?  Why do you want to learn to ask more effective questions?  "To encourage more critical thinking and to guide students to find answers for themselves."  If you know why you are doing this, then it becomes easier to find the motivation to do it.
• Also include specific descriptions and stepping stones.  How you will accomplish your goals?  For example: 1) Read online about effective open-ended questions. 2) Make a list of 20 open-ended sample questions that I can use while teaching a lesson. 3) Use at least three open-ended questions during each lesson for one week.  Write down my progress. 4) Self-evaluate my progress at the end of the week.  Make any changes needed to my goal, set new goals for future progress.
• The last part is when you will accomplish the goal.  Set a realistic time frame (see the point above, which sets a one-week deadline for reevaluation).
• Ok, I lied.  The last part is actually to DO IT!  It doesn't help to write all this stuff down if you don't act on it!

I hope these suggestions are helpful to you as you try to overcome any fear or reservations you have of teaching.  They certainly helped me a lot when I was first starting out, and even still.

Feel free to post in the comments anything that has helped you gain confidence as a teacher.

Recital Schmecital - Preparing for Your Music Studio Recital, Part 1

What's that you say?  You're planning a studio recital?  Yikes!

Music Studio Recital Prep Checklist

As a teacher, preparing students for a recital can sometimes be stressful (not to mention all the other logistical nightmares that come with planning a recital!).  This post addresses ideas on how to coordinate, plan, prepare for, and pull off an amazing studio recital!  Hopefully it will have you waving your hand in the air and saying, "Psssh!  Recital, schmecital.  No big deal..."

I've prepared a downloadable, printable Studio Recital Checklist for you to check out, which includes even more than I was able to put right here.

Find a Venue For Your Recital

You may already have a venue that you like to use, but if not, it can sometimes be difficult, depending on where you live.  After moving to a new city (Miami), I found it extremely difficult to find a simple, inexpensive recital hall!!  I tried local music stores to see if they had a recital hall attached that they rented out, and they were like, "Huh?  Recital what now?"  This surprised me because in Utah, where I had lived before (and where I live now), this is a very common thing, and for little or no money, one can easily hold a studio recital at the music store.  Easy peasy.  But I began to realize that this recital planning thing may not be so easy everywhere else.  I searched and searched for a place to have this stinkin' recital, contemplated not having one at all, then in the end, I was able to use an LDS Church building for free.  On my journey, though, I tried everything, and so I'm sharing some ideas for finding a decent venue, that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Check into:

• Local music stores (it's a start, and maybe you won't be disappointed, as I was)
• Music schools
• Universities, colleges (try the music dept. office, maybe they can direct you to the right person for the recital hall reservations)
• Churches
• Public or private schools
• City and community centers
• Senior assisted living and care centers (why not add to your audience and provide a great service to others?)
• Libraries
• Parks (Outdoor concert?  You can decide if it's too risky for you...)
• Or maybe even the home of one of your students

Ask other local teachers with whom you network, and other local musicians, and even your students/parents.  As you are calling around to all the above-mentioned places, if they turn you away or if it doesn't work for you, always ask for a referral.  Maybe they know of another place that would work.

Know what you want and need before you call or visit.  What is your budget?  Do you need a piano?  Music stands?  Chairs?  How much seating capacity do you need?  I've made up a Studio Recital Checklist with some more sample questions to ask the venue before you book.

Hire Accompanist(s) and/or Other Collaborating Musician(s)

You may already have musicians you work with regularly, but if you don't, here are some ideas on where to look.  Again, try your network of other teachers and musicians in the area.  This is the best resource for everything!  Ask your students/parents, maybe they used a particular pianist in the past or a former teacher knows of someone good.  Call around to music stores and schools.  You'll find someone.

Many colleges offer collaborative piano courses, where the students are required to accompany throughout the semester.  This can be an inexpensive option, and the students are generally performance majors who play very well.  You can also try the music department office or the head of the piano dept. at local colleges or universities.  Sometimes they keep a list of well-qualified pianists or other musicians who are willing and able to accompany.

Again, know in advance what you want and need.  What is your budget?  Are your students paying an accompanist fee or are you paying it out of your pocket?  What is the recital and rehearsal schedule?  How many students need an accompanist?  How difficult are the pieces?

The Rest

Everything else is a piece of cake, using the Recital Preparation Checklist, which also includes a recommended time frame for when to accomplish certain items.  Some of the things you'll find on this checklist are:

• Notify parents/students of recital and rehearsal schedule (include dress standards, what to bring)
• Choose repertoire with each student 
• Rehearse with collaborating musicians 
• Invite/remind people to come (I now have a post with downloadable, customizable recital invitation templates!  They're free!)
• Arrange for any refreshments, certificates, awards, etc. to pass out
• Prepare written programs

Take a look at the checklist, which is even more comprehensive than this list here.  As I said before, it also includes a list of questions to ask the venue when booking, because every place is different.

Hopefully this will help you stay organized so you can worry about what really matters: MUSIC!!  Let me know how your recital goes!  If you have additional tips and advice or questions about planning a studio recital, please leave a comment below.