THE BEST THING I EVER DID!!

Loved our meeting today!  Some great tips were presented that helped inspire us as music teachers!! Here's a brief recap:

Dr. Lynn Dean:  Implementing the three quarters teaching schedule with 11 lessons each quarter.  It coincides with the schools, holidays, etc. And a summer quarter schedule that has 8 lessons.  Makes teaching WONDERFUL!!!  No make up of missed lessons; parents are responsible for contacting other parents to make changes for "unforeseen" conflicts.

Caroline Jennings:  Pick a Theme for Summer lessons, e.g, Sightreading Summer in the Ocean of ___________.  (I'll try to get all of her descriptive places she had on her poster...)   Had a fun and invigorating summer schedule with lots of sightreading at the beginning of each lesson, and students motivated and "pushed" to excel!

Rachel France:  Implementing motivational charts, especially for summer lessons was of great benefit.  Points were given for number of days practiced, pass off points were given for different assignments and challenges.  Another idea used is picking a theme for Recitals.  Kids can even dress up to represent their piece.

Patrice Hunt:  At the beginning of the school year, take 5 minutes to "interview" your student and find out what THEY want to be able to do with their piano skills at the end of this school year.  Take notes, and help guide them with suggestions, if they don't have any of their own.  (I emailed all of my parents and gave them a heads-up what I would be doing, and to let their child know so they could be thinking of goals.  This REALLY helped.)  I then typed up each students "Goal Sheet" and put it in a binder.  (Also, make a copy for THEIR binder!)  I open my book up once a month and ask them to evaluate their progress towards their goals.  It has been VERY beneficial


Thanks to all who came, shared ideas, and enjoyed meeting together!  See you next month!!

CHAPTER MEETINGS START UP!!!

Welcome to the 2015-2016 UMTA year!

We are excited for our first meeting, being held Tuesday, September 8th, 2015 at noon!  We will meet at the St. George Library, basement conference room.

Four teachers from our local chapter will be presenting "The Best Thing I've Ever Done!"  We will be treated to some great teaching ideas that have the potential to make YOUR studio even better!

Please join us for an hour of enjoyment, sharing, and rejuvenation!!

Questions?  Call 673-6733 or 632-6733