Teaching~~~

flutebud · Post by **flutebud** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 12:26 am

I've been teaching (part time) for more than 5 years, and my students are driving me crazy

i had one who don't like to listern to me, when i ask him to play, he will sit or lay on the sofa, or when time i want to play with him,(like showing him the right way etc.) he won't let me, and all he do is saying " I know I know"

i had a student(beginner) who can't even speak english, want me to translate everythings/words into her langrage....and the parent wants me to teach her ...using ONE YEAR and teach her to GR.6 in the RCM

AHHHHHH both the student and the parent are driving me

anyway, but i enjoy teaching, and finding new ways to teach them

any way to treat those who don't listern?

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 6:27 am

Been there, done that! My first few years were rough. My biggest problem was getting them to practice, and sometimes even to take me seriouslytell. Eventually, I learned how to poiltely tell students what was expected of them from the start. I have a contract that both student and parent must sign before lessons begin. It explains to both parent and student what they are expected to do as well as what they should expect from me (and a few things that I will not do such as contact the band director if he/she has a problem . . argh!). They also need to know exactly how far you can take them in a given time. I have a packet that I give to each student that contains materials (minus the books) that they are expected to go through in a 6 month period. If they complete it early, they move on to the next packet (there are five). If they do not get through the packet, I sit with the student and parent and discuss whether or not that child should continue with lessons or if he/she should gain some maturity before continuing, etc. Oh yea, and they have to fill out a practice log that I check periodically as part of the packet. I have dropped students before, but the ones I have are very much worth my time and I can see progress in them every time I see them.

Just be sure to establish with both parent and student what you can do in a certain amount of time, and let them know that even though they are paying you, you will not tolerate certain things. If they con't follow the guidelines, they can find another teacher, and you are probably better off.

We often think a successful studio is one with 50 students, but that is not always the case. As a part time teacher (like you) I look for potential rather than numbers. It keeps me sane, and I truly enjoy getting to know my students who work very hard to accomplish much.

flutebud · Post by **flutebud** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 10:27 am

now, i've quit my full time job (as a waitress) and focusing on being a full time flute teacher~ yeah~~

I'm not good at explaining for some reason... i'm a quiet student back when i'm very little,

i'm a shy shy person,

and now, i'm practicing mandarine chinese cause most of my new student are from China

(i speak cantonese instead of mandarine)

i have no problems speaking english cause i learn the flute through a english teacher, so all my musical terms are in english, but they want me to say it in chinese.... soooooo HARD

ohoh for your flute package, may i ask what's in it?
thanks

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:44 am

Sounds mean and heartless, but, have they heard of assimilation? Catering to their language whim is NOT doing them any favors. I'll assume most people in Canada speak English, at least part of the time. This is much like Hispanic immigrants to the US expecting EVERYTHING to be available in Spanish. Also, the contract is a good idea. I also use practice journals, in which I write assignments, and the students are expected to make entries regarding what, how, and how long they've practiced, plus any other relevant observations. The parents know the students are supposed to do this.
As for inattentiveness during lessons, I don't seem to attract this type of student lately (thank Goodness!). When this happens, it has to be stopped right away. I explain to the student that they're paying for my time, and, by doing so, they have reserved my time for THEIR use. If they're not focused on learning, they're wasting MY time, THEIR OWN time, and THEIR PARENTS' money. I haven't yet had to ask a student to leave a lesson for unpreparedness or bad behavior, but one of my friends (trombone teacher) has absolutely no qualms about doing this. He then tells them to go practice, and come back only when they're ready.

flutebud · Post by **flutebud** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 10:25 am

I said to one of my student before that he is wasting his parent's money and so on... and he cry...

and he stop learning..

i loose student like that.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 11:30 am

In every similiar teaching situation that I have been in, I have simply told them that they are paying for my time. I am giving my time, and am more than ready to teach, but if they dont want to learn, then I have no problem just sitting there doing nothing during the designated time. It is their choice to learn, and I tell them that. They can pay my fees and do nothing If they would like. I really dont care. I would prefer to teach, but If they dont want to learn, then I am more than happy to be paid to sit there.

This normally gets their attention, and I have no problems afterwards. I know that in my lessons, because I was paying $30 an hour, twice a week, I treated every word like gold.

Another solution you could try, is to keep them really busy. Dont let them stop playing. Make them pay attention by means of them having to focus on the music in front of them. Then, if they dont, you can criticize. this method of overworking them might have positive results.