Music Evaluation Musings

I can almost taste the excitement in the air - students are coming into lessons, bouncier than usual and less focused. Pre-lesson chats are filled with birthday parties, summer vacation plans and the summer camp line-up. It's a bittersweet time for us teachers too. We see these kids (and adults) for 36 - 40 weeks in the year. It's a big change to go from that to not seeing them on a weekly basis. However, change is good. I was speaking with some colleagues a few days ago. The general buzz was that everyone was going to take it easy and focus on their own musical pursuits. A few of us, as I alluded to in an earlier post, will take on a summer job to fill in the income gap (yes, like me). Some are going to far off places. What was clear is that everyone needs a break from teaching to recharge their batteries.

I've begun writing out student evaluations. I follow a simple formula of acknowledging the student's accomplishments, areas for improvement, summer music goals and what's the general plan for next year (for returning students). I've enjoyed this afternoon's trip down memory lane, reviewing my lesson planning/record sheets. Some students surpassed the goals we established at the beginning of the year. Kudos to them!

June is also bittersweet because some students aren't returning next year. It's just the way it goes. Some students aren't returning because they wish to spend more time on other pursuits (soccer, another instrument, school). Some aren't returning because of scheduling conflicts between piano, their other activities and my schedule.

And sometimes, you have to bid farewell to a student because things just aren't working out. Either piano isn't their thing, there's a personality conflict or there's an clash between learning style and teaching style. These are sensitive issues to deal with. If the parent really wants the child to continue, but you can see that the pain outweighs the benefits - how do you express that tactfully, sensitively and professionally? If a student who's bright and a teacher who has a good theory track record can't get on the same wavelength, how do you tell the parent that their child will respond better to a different teaching style in a way that says, "I am doing this because I want your child to succeed,"? How do you say this without them taking it the wrong way?

I had to wrestle with the last issue this week. Let me tell you, it's a pickle to deal with. In situations like that, you just have to stand firm and never lose sight of who it's all for - the student. No matter how ugly things get.

(c) 2006 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Friday Fun Link #29

This weekend is Carifest in Calgary. Enjoy a weekend of Caribbean music and culture! (c) 2006 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Summer Music Programs around Alberta

Parents, if you're looking for a summer activity for the young artist in your life, check out some of these summer music programs throughout Alberta:

1. Calgary Arts Summer School Association: Now in its thirteenth year, CASSA is enjoying steady growth and a long list of happy campers. The Piano Camp is fully booked but there are still spaces available in the Musical Theatre Showtime; Music, Drama, Movement & Art; Music Theory Workshop and Piano Pedagogy Workshop.

2. Mount Royal College - The Conservatory: The Conservatory is offering: a Drumset Educational Program, Head Start Band Program, Intermediate Band Program, Kodaly Musicianship, Morningside Music Bridge, Music with Your Baby, Organ Academy International Summer School, Summer Jazz Workshop and Summer String Academy.

3. University of Lethbridge: Summer programs offered in Kindermusik, Drama, Art and more!

4. Red Deer College: RDC offers MusiCamp Alberta, for students age 10 and up. Students can experience fiddling, piano, choir, band, Adult Concert Band and musical theatre.

5. Macewan College: offers summer workshops in music, art and new media.

If you hear of any arts related summer programs that you think should be added to the list, please let me know.

(c) 2006 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Terrific Thursday Link #4

Sorry, I just noticed that there was no fun link last week. Life is really chaotic around here. I'd give you the list but that would take too long. And frankly, one spinning head is enough in this world. Let's just say that I, like my colleagues are eagerly awaiting the end of June (23 sleeps).

Here, check out this link - Music Tech Teacher - Piano Key Words Quiz. Yes, it's another note naming site and yes, it's deliberate. Teachers get cranky when students are still struggling with note names after a year (or more) of lessons. They also get cranky when students refuse to fix rhythm and notes in songs they've had all year and when they refuse to read directions or insist on pounding the bejeebers out of the keys. But let's save that rant for another day, shall we? (c) 2006 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

So you want to be a consultant...

There are all sorts of consultants in the world - from accountants to lawyers and from corporate writers to artists. Yes, even music teachers and freelance musicians can fit into this category.

This month, my marketing friend Andrea set up a new consulting blog - Consultant Journal. I peeked at some of the articles, which are pretty useful. There's an article on Work from Home Scams and one on what steps to take when you begin consulting. I liked the article on gadgets consultants can't live without.

Check it out when you have a chance.

(c) 2006 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.