The End of a Lesson

How to end a lesson.

The end of a lesson is a chance not only to consolidate what has been learned, but to also to extend knowledge.  Sometimes we need to use the skills we already have.  Think of it like reading – yes, your reading skills are probably pretty advanced, but you don’t always sit down to tackle Tolstoy.  What I’m saying, is that sometimes it’s just fun to play a piece for fun.

Main Body of the Lesson

The main body of the lesson is where the new learning happens.

Beginning of the Lesson

I begin every lesson, group or individual with a warm-up.  There are many purposes for a warm-up.  It physically warms the body up, ready for playing.  In a group setting the warm-up helps the players come together as an ensemble.  Some students may be late, and the warm-up serves as a time when they can get their instruments ready and join in without missing any new learning.  Psychologically a warm-up signals the beginning of the lesson, the time for non-related chat is over, and we need to get ready to work.

Structuring a Lesson

It’s important that a lesson has a structure to it.  The student gains comfort from this, alleviating any anxiety about what’s coming up next and you know that you are covering what you need to in the lesson.  Sometimes when you break from the regular structure there is a sense of freshness to the lesson.

It makes sense to structure the lesson.  The beginning activities/warm-ups can lead into the focus of the main part of the lesson.  The body of the lesson is where you will teach a particular concept and then the ending can reinforce the main concept or consolidate prior knowledge.  The flow of the lesson feels organic and logical.

Qualifications

What qualifications do you need to teach music?

Technically, nothing.  You could set yourself up right now as a music teacher, with no letters beside your name, no years of lessons behind you, no knowledge of your instrument or repertoire.  Of course, if you did that, you’d also have no students.

If you want to keep and retain students, you will need to have some kind of training behind you.  

Examining Your Own Musical Education

Your own music education.

In order to be an effective teacher, you need to look back before you can look forwards.  It’s helpful to examine your own musical background to determine how it affects your outlook on teaching.  Everything that you’ve experienced contributes to your attitude to teaching.  You have a unique set of experiences that you can draw on in order to become a teacher.  Most of your own history you have experienced as a learner and you haven’t thought about them through the lens of teaching.

Philosophy of Music Education

Philosophy of Music Education

There are different methods of teaching music that people have developed over the years (e.g. Suzuki, Kodaly, Orff).  I’ll look at them in further posts.  More often than not, studio teachers use various aspects of these methods, but generally they follow what their own teacher/s taught them, as unless they’ve made a specific study of that method, there are no established guidelines for studio music teachers.  No matter what method they use, their teaching will be based on their own musical philosophy.

Learn Their Names!

It’s not rocket science – learn the names of your students! (And make sure they know yours!)

Why is this important?  Mostly because it’s basic manners, isn’t it?

Your name is part of your identity.  It aligns you with your family and culture, and at the same time it distinguishes you as an individual.

When we hear someone saying our name (correctly – has anyone ever met Justin Pierce/Perry/Piree…?? I certainly haven't despite many people asking me...) it is meaningful to us.  It means someone has taken the time to get to know us, even if it’s just a little bit.  Saying someone’s name acknowledges their humanity.

So, even if you are just filling in for the regular teacher, make it a point to learn your students’ names.  

Theories of Learning

 It’s important to understand how people learn.  There are loads of theories about learning and human development.  Many of them encompass beliefs from many cultures.

Here’s a brief overview of some.  Have a think about how they fit in with your beliefs.

What Makes a Good Teacher?

Have a think about the best teachers you’ve ever had (all your teachers, not necessarily just your music teachers).  What made them good?  Did they make you learn more than other teachers?  How did they make you feel?  What kind of environment did they create in their classroom?  How did they feel about their subject?

Introduction

Well done!  You made it to F Sharks and Cannonballs.  I’m Justine and I’m the Captain of SS Music Teacher.  My aim is to lead you through the murky waters of music teaching.  To circumnavigate the seas of - actually, I might ditch that analogy…