IMTF

I stopped in a bit late on the Independent Music Teachers Forum meeting this afternoon.

The group of teachers in attendance had already split into four different discussion groups, and I have jumped into the group that is discussing BUSINESS PRACTICES AND MARKETING.

The teachers in this group noted that students are coming mostly from parent referrals, not from web inquiries. A discussion ensued about SEO with websites and getting to the top of an internet search.

Debra Hatfield from TX talked about how important it is to get kids "talking" about what they are doing. Her studio does six recitals a year and all are different, including costumed recitals, etc. She also had a float in the city parade one year. They put eight keyboards on the float and had students playing on the float.

We switched groups after a few minutes and I jumped over to a group that was discussing MOTIVATION. One teacher said what motivates her students is having the younger students see the older students performing at the group classes and recitals. She has group classes once a month by grade level.

Another teacher: the key is to make it as social as possible. Pianists are used to being alone, so when they are matched with mentors for theory tests or competitions.

Another teacher: having kids perform a monster concert. 15-20 kids at once. It makes them practice. They have to be up to tempo before the rehearsal. Bribery: serve donuts. One teacher opens up her monster event to other teachers' studios.

In Hawaii, they have that monster festival at a shopping center.

I mentioned that I think the motivation comes from the music itself and from seeing the teacher's passion about music-making, as well. Perform for your students. Let them see your passion!

One teacher mentioned that a teacher lets the high school students be like kings and queens at the events, eat first at receptions, give them tapestry blankets, etc. That teacher lets the kids make the rule, even deciding where they perform on the recital. (First, last, etc)

Points and prizes offered by some teachers. Where do you order? Oriental Trading, Music in Motion, local music stores, etc.

You could give kids a studio shirt or piece of sheet music to hang on the Christmas tree.

Some teachers charge for recitals.

We had a talk about attitude. One teacher mentioned that the 'attitude' is creeping in at a younger age now. I recommended the book, The Narcissism Epidemic.

Off the bench activities... Push ups, jumping jacks, etc, then go back to playing. GOTB... Get off the bench... Any child under 10 should be off the bench twice in a lesson.

Pupil savers... Kathleen Theisen compiled a list if these on her Facebook page.