Our daughters have three weeks left of summer break before they return to school. Lexi will be going into Grade 5 and our youngest, Halle, will be going into Grade 1. They’ve been by our side all summer and, while it certainly made working from home “interesting”… it’s been a delight watching them grow and learn and become their own unique, quirky selves
But as the start of school looms on the horizon, we inevitably start to think about what the upcoming year holds in store. Which class will they be placed in? Will their teachers understand who they are and what they need? Will their teachers know what makes them worried? What makes them light up? What makes them laugh? My heart hurts a bit at the thought…
In the fall, parents must “share” their most treasured possessions with a host of adults; school teachers, dance teachers, coaches… and piano teachers. And the only thing that can make letting go easier is letting them go to someone who says, “I really care about your child – please tell me all about them.”
These thoughts of missing my own children were the impetus for the “Ten Questions About Your Child” email template that we’re sharing in today’s post. Not only does it below communicate that you care, but it provides a valuable insight into your newbie student and establishes the expectation that success in piano lessons relies on a “triangle of support” between student, teacher and parent.
The “Ten Questions About Your Child” Piano Studio Email
Please copy/paste this email and change any details to suit your studio’s needs. Sending it either right before or right after you meet a new student can provide you with valuable insights that can be used to adjust your teaching methods to suit your students’ individual needs.
Dear Sarah,
I am really looking forward to working with Matthew this year! As we begin lessons together, I wanted to send home a little questionnaire that will help me tailor my teaching to Matthew’s personality. As no one knows your child better than you, I’d really appreciate your valuable insights so that his piano lesson experience can be enjoyable and effective. Working as a parent/teacher team will help Matthew find success at the piano in the most supported environment possible.
When you have a moment, could you reply with answers to the following questions? I’d be happy to discuss anything in depth with you over the phone if needed.
- What would you most like me to know about Matthew?
- What are some things that Matthew excels at?
- What other activities is Matthew involved in outside of school?
- Are there any learning difficulties that you’d like to share with me?
- What makes Matthew’s eyes “light up”?
- What causes Matthew to worry or be anxious?
- What does Matthew like (or dislike) about school?
- What do you foresee as being the biggest obstacle to regular practice at home?
- What would be the most useful thing that I could do to help you, as the “piano parent”?
- Is there anything else you’d like me to know about Matthew?
I can’t wait to get to know your family. Thank you in advance for the opportunity to teach Matthew. If, at any point in the year, there is anything you’d like me to know about Matthew, please feel free to get in touch. I will be checking in with you regularly to share his progress and to find out how home practice is coming along.
Take care,
Andrea
A Bit Of Extra Time Saves Hours…
The email above is designed to provide a quick insight into your new students. While it takes up a bit of your spare time to send it and reply to it, the insights you may receive in return will likely save you hours! Building a strong relationship with new studio parents is key to having a great working relationship from the get-go. This gesture of kindness and interest in your piano parents’ children will start all relationships off on a great note.
And now we want to know – what do YOU ask your piano parents? What questions provide the best insights into your new students? Share in the comments below.
One of the most important questions that I ask of my parents is, “Do YOU have any musical background?” If they do have some knowledge, they can be your biggest cheerleader at home for practicing! If not, I spend more time teaching my students (and their parents) how to practice effectively at home.
Hi Andrea – this is a great additional question! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I like to ask parents what their piano goals are. Some parents indicate that their child is good at most things and needs a challenge. Other parents indicate that they simply want their child to enjoy the experience and don’t want to add more pressure to their busy schedule . This helps me to customize the lessons to achieve the parents’ goal.
Very true, Robin! Great question – thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you! Such a good idea. Fall piano begins TODAY! I have just enough time to whip this out. Blessings!
Hi Patsy – perfect! Happy first day of lessons 🙂
As always you guys are great, timely and right on target. I use all of these but I love your wording better! I also enquire about the type of music, movies and TV shows they are exposed to and their favorite songs and shows as well.
Thanks for all that you guys do!
Hi Barbara – great additional questions 🙂 Thanks for reading our blog!
Just sent out my first one of these! Thanks for this great template, Andrea!
Awesome! You’re most welcome, Torey 🙂
Do you send this questionnaire only to new students?
Or do you use a different template to also inquire about returning students at the start of each year? And how do you find the time to read all your responses amidst your busy teaching and blogging and creating schedule!!!!
Hi Amy – yes, to new students only. Students I’ve had for awhile I usually know the answers to these questions already (or we have a good working relationship already built and I can simply ask them) 🙂