G at his First PIano Lesson
When I first started teaching, there was only one other music study business in the same town. While the one I was managing (and teaching group classes) was classical in style, the other was more rock based. This was in the late 80's. Ironically the other business was started by another educator from our studio.
In our area, the only other child geared activities were Little League Baseball. We were able to offer $5 playdate classes for our students on school closure days. We had a huge Halloween Costume Party, Holiday Party and Solo Recitals. Studio picnic and Masterclasses.
As the years passed, I noticed that more children activities were starting to be offered. Martial Arts, Soccer, Gymnastics, Art. Travel Teams. More tutoring franchises. Dance, which was ballet and tap now had many more options. Lots of things to pull children and parents in many directions. I eventually opened my own studio when my Mentor retired.
For a few years, I continued on my own, group classes and private piano and bowed strings. I did host some of the holiday events, but gradually dropped the idea as there was less and less participation. Another full time teacher joined me, we got a bigger space and expanded our student base. 4 more teachers joined our ranks. Then 2020 arrived with all of it's complications. But we are still here!
One of my greatest teaching moments (IMO) was the Masterclass I did in place of a private lesson one week a year, when I had groups of 20 students work together to create a score to an old Felix the Cat cartoon. What a great learning opportunity, combining mixed ages, sound boards and imagination. Each groups work was saved, reviewed by the next group and added to. It was raved about by musicians and parents for months afterwards. All families received a copy of the finished product to share with others.
Senior Recital and Private lessons
Now, group classes are held in just 6-8 week sessions with lots of absences for sports and other outside activities.
The drop in way of thinking didn't work well for toddler groups, even though that was what young parents wanted.
Students and Parents are told if they miss any sports practices they can't play. We have limited openings and can't always accomodate these changes. We have worked very hard to keep are calendar open enough that we can accomodate 2 reschedules per musician/instrument a year plus another open week for snow reschedules if needed. I personally think this is an awful practice, to punish a child. Why can't coaches and other educators work together to balance it all out? It saddens me that some students have to choose between showing their skills learned at a recital or go to a practice.
Recital, which used to be such an exciting and anticipated event, now is not as important as it used to be.
Student Happy that Lessons were happening on a Snowy Day
June Recital is always a wonderful, entertaining and sometimes surprising event. We once had a student spontaneously cartwheel to the piano. He pulled it off, and we all clapped.
Life will always be changing. Music Teachers will continue to evolve and follow the flow.
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