Comments on: What Would You Do? – George (#2)

By: Colin

Colin — Thu, 28 May 2009 06:29:35 +0000

It’s nice to see a music teacher blog like this. I honestly get excited when I first get visited your site and I was totally amazed. Continue to share!

By: Klaus Georg

Klaus Georg — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:34:49 +0000

Teachable moment!
In line with “The Perfect Wrong Note,” I would ask him to describe what he was feeling, physically, forgetting about the sound for a moment. Was it more relaxed, spontaneous? Were there moments that didn’t feel as good?
Then have him explain what aspects of it he wasn’t happy with and why. Finally, I might explain what I picked up on that I liked and how it will tie into future progress, but that’s optional. We’re guides. Telling students what we thought can have a short-term impact but true learning comes from within. If the student doesn’t feel was better/worse the way you do then it isn’t time yet to address those things, because whatever progress you make in the lesson on those issues will not be permanent.

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:01:21 +0000

Teachable moment. I would explain exactly why I said it was better. That it wasn’t just about the notes but that I noticed him appearing more relaxed with his instrument. You could ask him if he’s feeling more comfortable and talk about what he did at home this week to bring about this good “posture.” Did he notice the difference himself?

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 21 May 2009 09:12:51 +0000

Teachable moment. I’d say that it’s good that he could do better. I’ll proceed by telling him that he only needs to relax more so he can be able to execute his piece in front of people as good as he plays when he’s alone.