Dear Colleagues,

My Problem:

For several years now, I have taught a lovely family of two girls.  No matter how hard I try, I cannot get the oldest girl away from note punching individual notes much too slowly.  This results in a never-ending slow and dragging performance.  Lessons became painful for both of us.  Waiting longer than I should have, I finally called the Dad and asked him tactfully if the child might have learning issues that I had realized.  After talking a while, he mentioned how slow and methodical this young lady was about everything.  He said he was surprised how slowly she had played her recital pieces two weeks ago.

Slowly?  I said that’s the most lively and spirited I have heard them ever!  He said his wife had videotaped the girls playing the recital pieces for the grandparents.  When he sent them to me, I’m shocked.   Five years in my studio, and I have NEVER heard this student play so quickly–to the point of being slightly rushed and not controlled.  For the first time, I got an inside look of what was going on at home.  Apparently the issue is that the child becomes very cautious when in front of others and slows way down in an effort to play the “perfect performance.”  What an eye opener!  With this new information, I have a window of light to reach this child’s thought process truly for the first.

The Solution:

From now on, I need to make certain I invite different students into their living rooms with the video camera. This situation was nothing like I had experienced previously and this one phone call and video made all the difference in encouraging this student to move forward!   We can never know all the factors that happen at home that influence our in-studio dynamics.  This week’s lesson was a game-changer.  As a result of my investment in talking to the parent and watching a one minute video, I can now be a more effective teacher.

Cheers for a successful festival and recital season!

Carol Ann