Reliability

Be on time.

If you say you’re going to do something, do it.

Don’t call in sick every second week.

Don’t double-book yourself.

If you are not reliable, no-one is going to hire to you to be a teacher.  No-one is going to hire you for gigs.

Teaching Adults

[This post was written in response to a question from a former student who is a teenager, but is teaching some adults.  Hence the tone of the piece.  If you’re not a teenager, sorry 😊 .  And thank you, thank you, thank you to the adult learners who answered my questions.]

Teaching adults is weird.  For you.  And for them.  It can feel like an odd boundary has been crossed.  After all, they’re older than you, so shouldn’t they be in charge?

Nope.  You’re the expert in your instrument and that’s why they’re coming to you for lessons.

Teaching Scales - part 3 - Advanced Students

Scale Monopoly

I know I found this on a website years ago.  Goodness only knows where.  Google doesn’t.  If I find a reference, I’ll let you know.

The best thing about this game, it incorporates some arts and crafts.

Teaching Scales - part 2 (Beginner/Intermediate Students)

Here are a few techniques that have worked for me.  Most of them, like every good teacher, I’ve stolen from other teachers.  I’ll give credit where I can.

Teaching Scales Part 1

There will come a time in your teaching career when you’re just going to have to bite the bullet and do it.  Yes, you’re going to have to teach scales.

And, if you’re smart, you won’t inflict your terror of these unimaginable beasts on to your students.  Cos, actually, they’re not unimaginable, beasts or otherwise.

Bullet Journaling for Musicians

 The Bullet Journal concept was created by a New York graphic designer.  It is a method of customising a reflective journal to fit your individual needs.  It’s a way to keep track of daily to-do lists and to track progress towards habits and goals.

The "P" Word - Practicing vs Rehearsing

It’s pretty simple. 

Practice is what you do at home.  Your aim is to perfect your part.

Rehearsing is what you do with others.  Your aim is to fit the parts together.

Everyone hates the person who turns up at rehearsal not knowing their part.  Don’t be that person.