The Piano Teacher Sabbatical (The Virtual Studio, pt. 1)
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past year?
The power of thinking outside the box.
For most of my teaching career, I’ve viewed piano lessons in just one way. Not because I think there aren’t other ways, but because I didn’t feel driven to think more creatively.
If the way we’ve always done it works, why do it differently?
But when I DO question the way I’ve always taught piano lessons, it has brought deeply rewarding changes to my teaching and my studio.
That includes learning to teach improvisation (as a classically-trained musician), building a group piano studio, teaching lessons online, and so much more.
Can you identify?
Our teaching community has certainly flexed its creative muscles over the past year.
In fact, a light bulb went off inside my head last spring: We have only begun to tap into our own creativity through technology.
I’ve been thinking about this ever since, wondering what might emerge next in our community - and in my studio.
Fast-forward to this summer.
Jeremy and I are beginning a huge life adventure (we’ll share more soon). For several months this fall, I need to take a sabbatical from teaching as I won’t be able to offer weekly lessons.
But I can’t imagine leaving my students without lessons for two months during the studio year!
So I felt driven to think more creatively. Here’s what emerged:
I can utilize my studio website to give students a creative, inspiring piano experience - while I take the sabbatical I need.
If you’re in a season of life where you need a sabbatical (you need maternity leave, your family is moving, or you simply need a break), this might help you, as well.
Here’s how I’m doing it:
I’ve created an online “virtual studio:” a password-protected area of my studio website. This provides a single place for me to share videos, duet tracks, assignments, studio-licensed music, and to showcase student recordings.
Key: It also gives parents just one place to go for everything piano-related.
I’ve recorded a set of flipped lesson videos. These are pieces or songs that I’ve broken down into a range of levels; I teach them by rote using an overhead camera. For example, I created 4 different levels for The Wellerman, a sea shanty that’s been popular with kids this spring.
I’m collecting downloadable, printable music that supports my pedagogy goals for the semester. For example, we’ll use a brilliant, multi-level group piece by Dorla Aparicio where each student learns a part that is appropriate for their level.
I’ll create a digital badge board via Google Docs to keep us all on track with practice. I’ve used these with tremendous success in the past; all of the kids can see each other’s progress and send encouraging, public notes to each other.
Students are encouraged to send me recordings of their pieces; I will send them feedback via email.
At some point, we’ll all meet for an online group lesson. Kids will take turns leading the pieces they’ve all been working on, with everyone playing together. (Dorla Aparicio is the inspiration behind this; she is fantastic at creating an engaging experience for groups of students.)
Key: Everyone but the leading student is muted when playing together online. Each student hears their part along with the leader’s part.
Two important factors:
I can switch out content in our virtual studio from anywhere in the world as long as I have an internet connection. I will refresh content every other week or so.
I’m communicating early - and clearly - with parents. The parents in my studio will know exactly what to expect, how long to expect it, and how to get in touch with me at any point.
What makes me think this will work?
We used this mode of learning for the final few weeks of our spring semester and it was a big hit! My students focused on skills that aren’t as strong with one-on-one lessons or method book work. It was a refreshing, exciting change for them and I saw positive results after just a week or two.
I hope my plan sparks creative ideas for you.
Do you have questions about how I’m organizing things? More details you’d like to hear?
Comment below; I’m here to help.
And, as always, if your studio is in need of a new website (with a virtual studio?), let’s chat. We are here to help make your studio’s online life easier - and your growth faster.
