Comments on: Self-Direction in Adult Students http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/self-direction-in-adult-students/ Tips and Resources for Private Music Teachers and Performers everywhere! Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:51:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Leah Coutts http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/self-direction-in-adult-students/comment-page-1/#comment-63843 Leah Coutts Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:25:47 +0000 http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/?p=401#comment-63843 Hi Chris, I must admit, I find that most adult beginner method books out there are quite dated, or not very motivational with song material, layout etc. However, they are a necessary evil, as we need to start somewhere. I use Bastein for Older Beginner. Saying that, as soon as I can, I want to supplement the book with other materials. Here in Australia, the AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) materials normally used for those wishing to do exams, offer a variety of styles in a graded way, with the classical syllabus, or 'piano for leisure' syllabus, which includes more jazzy or popular pieces, including themes from movies or TV shows. The reason I choose to use some pieces from these is because I know that there is pedagogical value. We do choose pieces from the radio that they would like to learn as well, but the simplified versions are not particularly full of technical or musical value. The listening list I have includes the music from the different AMEB syllabus' that I have found to be popular with adults. Not all people like classical, but I have found that a majority like the classical pieces we all recognise (Fur Elise is a classic example!)The theme from Pink Panther and Phantom of the Opera also seem to be popular. We go through a pick a few pieces from the written list of titles, and then I play/a recording of a couple and they choose from there. Also, to compliment the method book, I also use the Dozen A Day books. Even though these are normally aimed at children, the technique exercises work well with adults as well and are great for beginners. Hope this helps a little, or gives you a few ideas. Hi Chris, I must admit, I find that most adult beginner method books out there are quite dated, or not very motivational with song material, layout etc. However, they are a necessary evil, as we need to start somewhere. I use Bastein for Older Beginner. Saying that, as soon as I can, I want to supplement the book with other materials. Here in Australia, the AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) materials normally used for those wishing to do exams, offer a variety of styles in a graded way, with the classical syllabus, or ‘piano for leisure’ syllabus, which includes more jazzy or popular pieces, including themes from movies or TV shows. The reason I choose to use some pieces from these is because I know that there is pedagogical value. We do choose pieces from the radio that they would like to learn as well, but the simplified versions are not particularly full of technical or musical value. The listening list I have includes the music from the different AMEB syllabus’ that I have found to be popular with adults. Not all people like classical, but I have found that a majority like the classical pieces we all recognise (Fur Elise is a classic example!)The theme from Pink Panther and Phantom of the Opera also seem to be popular. We go through a pick a few pieces from the written list of titles, and then I play/a recording of a couple and they choose from there. Also, to compliment the method book, I also use the Dozen A Day books. Even though these are normally aimed at children, the technique exercises work well with adults as well and are great for beginners.
Hope this helps a little, or gives you a few ideas.

]]> By: Chris Brown http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/self-direction-in-adult-students/comment-page-1/#comment-63590 Chris Brown Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:18:48 +0000 http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/?p=401#comment-63590 Tell me a little more about your "listening list". That is an intriguing idea. I am starting a Recreational Music Making program in Pueblo, CO, for adult piano beginners. What materials have you found work well with adult beginners? Tell me a little more about your “listening list”. That is an intriguing idea. I am starting a Recreational Music Making program in Pueblo, CO, for adult piano beginners. What materials have you found work well with adult beginners?

]]> By: Leah Coutts http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/self-direction-in-adult-students/comment-page-1/#comment-62410 Leah Coutts Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:55:44 +0000 http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/?p=401#comment-62410 Thank you for your comment, and I'm pleased that the idea of the teacher as a 'guide' struck a chord with you. I had a student come to me last week who was so pleased with himself, as he had bought a book with film music arrangements for piano, and had taught himself one of the pieces. It was so satisfying for me to see that he had taken the initiative not only to find music that he wanted to learn, but also to have a go with no assistance. It also gave me an indication of the direction he wished to go with his piano playing. Thank you for your comment, and I’m pleased that the idea of the teacher as a ‘guide’ struck a chord with you. I had a student come to me last week who was so pleased with himself, as he had bought a book with film music arrangements for piano, and had taught himself one of the pieces. It was so satisfying for me to see that he had taken the initiative not only to find music that he wanted to learn, but also to have a go with no assistance. It also gave me an indication of the direction he wished to go with his piano playing.

]]> By: How To Practise http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/self-direction-in-adult-students/comment-page-1/#comment-62319 How To Practise Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:56:47 +0000 http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/?p=401#comment-62319 Hi Leah, thanks for the post. I think you make some very interesting points. I was particularly drawn to the comments in the second paragraph. This is something I have long believed myself - if I do my job properly then the student should eventually be able to teach themselves. I do like the view of teacher becoming a guide for more able students. Mike. Hi Leah, thanks for the post. I think you make some very interesting points.

I was particularly drawn to the comments in the second paragraph. This is something I have long believed myself – if I do my job properly then the student should eventually be able to teach themselves. I do like the view of teacher becoming a guide for more able students.

Mike.

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