Category — Mixed bag

I firmly believe that the best work is done with a positive attitude. Although this is a good lesson for our students, I’m really talking to the teacher here. As I get ready to teach, I think about each student that I will meet with later that afternoon or evening. My thoughts include what I’m excited to hear them play, or what progress I expect they have made over the week, or the new lesson I am eager to teach them.

Try this method of gearing up for your lessons. I think you will find yourself in a positive place for the evening, which will in turn promote some quality teaching on your part. Can you share some ideas that you have about how to prepare for the day’s work?

…so little time!  I know its cliché.  But I truly have been flooded with various responsibilities ever since the new school year began.  During the day (non-teaching hours) I have been trying to get a handle on prepping dinners and keeping up with house work.  I have also been looking for some slices of time that I can practice piano before I start my afternoon teaching schedule.  When it comes to my piano studio I have been doing lesson plans, trips to the music store, business related upkeep, and ongoing parent communication.  I’ve had a hard time balancing these personal activities with professional activities.

Because I’ve gone from roughly 15 to 24 students this fall the need to keep my studio organized is imperative.  And larger numbers also make it more demanding.  I am taking it day by day, and hopefully I will start to see some relief in my schedule.  To help myself, I am going to assign duties to specific days.  I need “office hours.”  Here’s an idea of how I plan to structure the week:

• 9-10 AM: morning workout
• 10-11 AM: shower, prep for the day
• 11 AM – 12 PM: dinner prep
• 12 PM: lunch
• 12:30-2:00 PM: office hours
• 2:30-lessons: practice

In addition to daily parent communication, here’s how I plan to allot my office hours:

• Monday: lesson plans prepared and printed
• Tuesday: practice student music
• Wednesday: blog, practice student music
• Thursday: business upkeep, practice student music, music store run if needed

On Friday I have the day off, so that’s the best time for me to run personal errands and go grocery shopping for the following week.  I truly believe that if there’s a plan, particularly in writing, anything is doable!

Though unexpected, this summer has been quite eventful. I really thought I’d have more time to relax and rejuvenate before the return of fall lessons. But for some reason my summer has turned out to be far more exciting than the average school year. Lessons have continued at a steady pace. Piano camp has come and gone — a huge success. New students have registered for summer and fall lessons, and yes, I’ve found some play time for myself.

Wherever you are in your teaching load, make sure you take some time to sit back and enjoy life away from being a piano teacher. Once fall rolls around, I know I’ll be scurrying to plan for recitals, festivals, new students, and overall studio progress. That’s why I plan to take the week off prior to the start of fall lessons. The entire week will be dedicated to re-energizing so that I can be at my best for my students when they return for the school year.

I encourage all teachers to do the same. It will pay off when its mid-October and you’re listening to Floating for the 5th time in one week.

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