The Difference Between Mean and Strict

 For Teachers  No Responses »
Mar 172013
 
It started when the mother of a 10 year-old student mentioned that she referred me to the mother of an 8 year-old for lessons. She characterized me as “strict but not mean.” Hmm, they are usually thought to be the same thing. I decided it meant that there were certain things that were necessary to learn before one can play well and play musically. read the rest

What I Learned about Teaching Children From Teaching Adults

 Featured, Issues  4 Responses »
Feb 272012
 
What I Learned about Teaching Children From Teaching AdultsWhat I’ve learned from my adult students is that the bruises they suffered in their education as children and young adults interfere with their learning to play the piano much more than any problems of an aging mind or body. What I’ve learned to do for my students who are children is to try to do no harm. read the rest

Teachers: Starting and Stopping Lessons

 For Teachers, Practicalities  1 Response »
Jun 172009
 
The question of choosing a music teacher comes up often on the Musical Fossils message board so I’ve decided to review the topic in detail. Choosing a new teacher, getting rid of an existing teacher, or being dismissed by a teacher are all complex situations. In this article I will discuss what I’ve learned over the years about these issues. read the rest