Hi, it has been a while since i have been on here and i have came a long way.
I am now looking at begining to teach percussion and perhaps piano, i was wondering how do you know what to teach and when? and in what order?
and comments appreciated, thanks
micky-d
Full Version: Hi
Your question is a bit too general, micky! It's hard to answer because of that! Why not do a search for some past threads on books for beginners, what to do in the first lesson - that sort of thing?
QUOTE(dcmbarton @ Aug 29 2007, 01:49 PM) 
What a minefield! I'd say that most importantly, when you start teaching, you are affecting people's education, and that's not something to be taken lightly. You cannot just treat it as an experiment, and you have to approach it in a totally professional way. It can't be seen as something you 'do on the side'. It takes a lot of preparation, reading, planning, learning and communication before you even teach your first lesson.
David
Totally with you and prepared for the first explosion
If you don't have the slightest idea where to start at all, better don't do it yet. It is not enough to be just a good performer yourself.
Maybe you could start teaching under supervision instead? That will give you more confidence, you won't do any harm, and you will learn a lot you can use later on ...
Welcome back!
I would echo the advice about reading, both general music teaching and specific instruments you are teaching (books that say the best techniques for your instrument and how to teach them. I would also say to anyone the best way to start is with guidance from your own teacher(s). I started this way, as I'm sure many do. Also try and find someone not quite a beginner to start with; teaching from scratch is actually harder than teaching someone aroung grade 1 or 2. When you have a bit of experience you could do a teaching diploma as well.
I would echo the advice about reading, both general music teaching and specific instruments you are teaching (books that say the best techniques for your instrument and how to teach them. I would also say to anyone the best way to start is with guidance from your own teacher(s). I started this way, as I'm sure many do. Also try and find someone not quite a beginner to start with; teaching from scratch is actually harder than teaching someone aroung grade 1 or 2. When you have a bit of experience you could do a teaching diploma as well.
I think that one orf the great advantages of a taking a full-time music course is that one is actaully taught about teaching methods and about the process of learning. Your first lessons will be observed and plenty of help offered. It might be worth you considering going down this route if this might by a career option for you.
QUOTE(petrat @ Aug 29 2007, 02:23 PM)
I think that one orf the great advantages of a taking a full-time music course is that one is actaully taught about teaching methods and about the process of learning. Your first lessons will be observed and plenty of help offered. It might be worth you considering going down this route if this might by a career option for you.
Not always, unless you mean a BMus not a BA like I did. We were taught a lot about community teaching methods but nothing really on instrumental teaching. I did most of this privately.
QUOTE(dcmbarton @ Aug 29 2007, 01:49 PM)
.. .when you start teaching, you are affecting people's education...
I think the scariest thing about this job is that, actually, you are affecting their whole lives - how your students feel about themselves and their abilities is a major by-product of what you are doing with them.
Teaching is an absolutely huge responsibility and not one to be taken lightly. You have the power to make or break a person.
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