What’s in Your Lesson Bag?

As a teacher who travels to a store to teach lessons, I have learned how helpful it can be to consistently bring certain items to every lesson. Items may have changed, added or deleted - but they are always with me so that I have what may be needed on hand. This not only keeps me prepared, but is helpful for forgetful students who may not always bring what is needed.

I have a dedicated book bag filled with teaching materials which allows me to "grab and go". Here are some of the items you may wish to keep in your bag. Some items may seem basic, but how many times have you forgotten to bring something? Plus, it is great to have two of certain items – one for you and one for your student.

• Guitar Cable (2)

• Capo (2)

• Tuner

• Footstool

• Metronome

• Picks

• Strings

• Bluetooth Speaker

• iPod

• Adaptor cable for iPod to speaker/sound system

• Writing Utensils (pens, pencils, markers, high lighters)

• Paper (blank, tab, staff , chord graphs, handouts)

• Books (method, music, tab)

What’s in your lesson bag? Let know me know if there is anything I should include on my list.

Where to Teach, pt. VIII - Group Lessons

As a guitar teacher most of your instructional time will probably be spent with individual students; however, there are situations where group lessons may be called for. In this final installment of “Where to Teach” I’ll tackle the topic of group lessons because as guitar teacher this may be the format when working in an outreach program, community center or teaching an introductory class at a store/music school.

Group lessons require a bit more planning than individual lessons simply because there are more people involved. When teaching one on one, a teacher considers learning material for a single student’s age, ability level, likes and/or dislikes and that which is appropriate for their stage of development. However, in group instruction students could have a range of: ages (children to seniors), skill level (those who have played or who have never played) and learning ability (students who learn faster/slower than others). Moreover, the number of students one works with can add to the challenges of teaching group lessons.

Let’s take a look at some items to consider when preparing a group lesson.

· Grouping – When working with a large number of students it is important to think about how you will be teaching as time spent with individual students is very limited. Starting with a broad topic which you can teach the entire group is helpful and then you can have students work individually or in smaller groups. Moreover, think about grouping students by ability or musical parts and don’t be shy about designating a group leader.

· Age Range – This is important because older students will generally pick things up more quickly than younger students. Whereas, you may need to bring separate materials for younger and older students to work on; in other words differentiate your lessons according to age.

· Ability Level: You may be thinking of teaching only “X and Y,” but even if you do teach students of the same age chances are there will be students who pick up the material more quickly than others. Therefore, having supplemental or more advanced material at the ready is all the more important.

· Topic: Consider what can be done with your lesson topic to involve as many students as possible. For example, if you are teaching sight reading have duets prepped so three students can the top line and three on the bottom; then have students switch parts.

· Management Skills: If working with younger students, you may need to develop some classroom management skills. Also, it is a good idea to establish signals which lets everyone know to stop playing, focus on you or come back to the group.

If you have experience teaching group lessons I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts regarding approaches you have found successful.

Where to Teach, pt. VII – Distance Learning (Skype Lessons)

     This month I’ll be continuing the series of posts entitled “Where to Teach” by discussing distance learning. If you are unfamiliar with the terms “distance learning” or “distance education” they refer to online education for students who are not physically present. In the area of instrumental lessons they are more commonly referred to as “Skype Lessons”.

     Many guitar teachers today seem to be utilizing distance learning for a variety of reasons, but like everything else there are always pros and cons – let’s take a look.

PROS

· Travel: The teacher does not need to travel to a store or student’s home – they can teach from a location of their choosing.

· Time: Lessons can be scheduled for any time which is convenient for both teacher and student – late evening, early morning, etc.

· Make-up: If a student has a 24hr bug or can’t make their normally scheduled day/time, you can Skype the lesson when it is more convenient and not wait an entire week for the next lesson.

· Student Performance: According to one study, student’s performance “increased more than 22%” (keep in mind the sample size of the study was a total of 3 students, so it is hardly definitive research).

· Less Off-Task Behavior: The same study also found that distance learners exhibited less off-task behaviors. Whereas, “off-task behaviors comprised 36% more time during face-to-face lessons”.

· Increased Eye Contact: Once again, the same study found an increase in eye contact during distance lessons.

CONS

· Technology: Distance learning requires a degree of comfort-ability with technology, so if technology is not your strong suit you may want to rethink this online platform.

· Internet Connection: Connections can drop mid-lesson and cause minor disruptions.

· Sound: The quality of the distance learning is definitely not “first person”, so be prepared for a less than pristine sound.

· Notes: You will not be able to make notations in a student’s music, write in their notebooks or make written corrections; the student will need to do all the notetaking.

· Hand/Body Adjustments: Since you are not physically present you will be unable to adjust hands, fingers, arms or elbows.

· Limited Point of View: Your point of view on a student is limited to the current camera view; no watching hand movements from different angles.

· Time Lag: Because of a time lag you will be unable to accompany students or perform duets with them.

I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts on distance learning – what has been your experience? Feel free to comment.