Last week a huge windstorm knocked out power in our part of the woods. Because of the lack of power, and an enormous tree that had fallen across the road, Parent-Teacher Interviews at Lexi’s school were cancelled (as was my hockey game… but that’s an equally frustrating story for a different time).
Andrea and I were really disappointed to miss the interviews, not because we want to keep tabs on Lexi’s progress (what can I say, she’s a great kid!) but because we love to see what Lexi has been up to.
It is always a wonderful eye opener to walk into a classroom and see what really goes on. There are so many fabulous projects and activities that don’t get mentioned when Lexi comes home from school… and I always leave feeling great appreciation for her teachers.
Which is exactly why I think piano teachers should hold a student-led interview day too!
Student-Led Interviews… Piano Style
At least once a term, I think piano teachers should dedicate an entire week to student-led interviews where parents come to piano lessons and are guided through a piano lesson by their child, NOT the teacher.
It is not an onerous task to set up, and could follow a schedule similar to the one laid out below:
- Student and parent begin with a call and response (clap back style) warm-up. Kick the fun up a notch by substituting drums or tambourines in place of the common clap.
- Student and parent complete a story-based technical warm-up like this one. The parent can read the story while the student plays the piano.
- Student and Parent play a duet on the piano. To prepare for this, compose a ridiculously easy accompaniment to a piece your student has perfected.
- Student and Parent play a piano game.
- Student and Parent take a tour of the student’s piano binder (show off all the awesome repertoire and activities you hand out!)
- Student, Parent, and Teacher discuss stars, wishes, concerns etc.
And Then The Magic Happens
After student-led interviews, many magical things tend to happen. The most wonderful of these being increased student motivation, improved parent-teacher relationships, and hopefully… new registrations from all of the wonderful word-of-mouth you have no doubt received!
So break out your calendar, schedule it in, and let the world know how awesome your piano lessons are!
Read Also:
The Secret Weapon Great Pianists Share
5 Ways To Bond With Piano Studio Parents (and Why You Should!)
Barbara says
Thanks so much for giving us an outline to make these interactions fun instead of boring! And letting the student lead the way is genius. One question…do you prepare the student ahead of time, letting them know they will be “hosting” the lesson, and having them go through a simulated lesson the week before? Or do you keep it more of a surprise for everyone: “Hey, Suzy, since your mom is here how about if you show her…”