Music Teacher's Helper Blog

An assignment given to me as a grad student was to visit various successful piano teachers in the area. One studio that particularly inspired me offered a computer session with each lesson. Upon graduating I embraced the technology of the 20th century and since then have attracted many students because of the “Lab” (computer session) with the “Lesson”.

In the 21st century, most households have succumbed to the technology and expect others to do so as well. At this point, why not capitalize on the countless options provided by the virtual world? WHY NOT set up lab time for your students and hire your computer?

Why?

• More Students–show that you care and attract students by meeting them where they are–online, on the phone, xbox, iTunes…
• More Time–spend 30 minutes teaching your student and then increase his/her learning time by a 30-minute lab
• More Income–charge for the lesson and add a lab fee as well (about one-third of your lesson fee)
• More Learning Tools–with more income you are able to purchase more equipment, music, software, etc that provide a variety of options for all learning styles

When?

• Schedule two students each hour, one works with you for 30 minutes while one works on the lab assignment for 30 minutes, then switch
• Consider this schedule for students in preschool, 1st-8th graders and beyond

How?

• Create Lab Folders for each student that lists the assignment to be covered for the day
• Choose software, or activities that provide tutorials, ear training, note name drills, YOU decide
• Create a unit and choose games, drills and tutorials focused on that concept

Why Not?

• Do not attempt to add a Lab if you are NOT  interested in computers, software, internet…
• If you are NOT able to multi-task, reconsider the Lab. You must be prepared to teach one student and expect interruptions from the other working on the computer
• If you are NOT willing to spend time determining lab assignments (however, great resources like www.keystoimagination.com are available to lift this burden!)
• If you are NOT interested in learning about, acquiring and installing software

What?

“Low Budget” Options

• Assign students theory workbook pages–it will get done if you are watching!
• Use Hal Leonard’s All Purpose Music Flash Cards (Dry Erase Staff Cards) to practice drawing rhythms, Treble and Bass Clefs, Sentences for Staff note names (ex: Elvis’ Guitar Broke Down Friday)

• Download your CD’s to iTunes, make playlists and ask students to listen and rate specific tunes with 1-5 stars (I did this with a Sonatina unit)
• Use iTunes for students to “shop” for future repertoire
• Download free games for students to drill specific concepts such as http://www.musictheory.net
• Subscribe to www.musiclearningcommunity.com and charge the students $12 per year–this will cover your fee of $19.95 per month
• Alfred Music Games–inexpensive and fun!
• Show clips of movies: Stomp Outloud, Trans Siberian Orchestra, The Best of Victor Borge, The Gravi- DVD, Note by Note: The Making of Steinway, Freeing the Caged-Bird, Maurice Hinson’s Performance Practices DVD Series…
• Design a unit on music history using iTunes and Alfred’s Meet the Great Composers
• Collect books such as Musical Instruments: Keyboards or Practiceopedia and choose excerpts to read
  

• Collect unique flashcards  like MusicColoride or from sites like http://www.solotimegames.com/index.html, or http://www.tcwresources.com
• Subscribe to Piano Explorer Magazine (designed for ages 9 and older) and assign articles to read about composers, theory concepts, artists, instruments, etc.
• www.Youtube.com–there is no better way for students to master listening skills than comparing performances of favorite pieces

“No Budget” Options (some of my favorite software)

• Children’s Music Journey
• Piano Wizard
• Music Ace Maestro
• Alfred Interactive Musician
• Alfred’s Essentials of Music
• Auralia
• Early Music Skills
• Groovy Shapes, Jungle and City
• Garage Band
• Sibelious
• more…

I have NEVER regretted my decision to incorporate lab sessions into my teaching format. There are so many more lab options that are not listed here. Consider adding additional contact-time with your students that enables you to offer a more comprehensive curriculum. WHY NOT capitalize on the undeniable opportunities of technology?

Next month, I will provide some software reviews and more details about setting up a lab. Let me know of your questions!