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... bringing the joy of music to students and their teachers
In This Issue
Strategies for teaching adults
Practice for the present, not just the future
Adult Student Goals
Musical Fossils website
Flute Flash
Upcoming Events
Learn More Online
 
 
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Music For Life Books

For lots more ideas on teaching adults check out chapter 20

"Make Learning Fun (and less painful) for Adults in 

Making Music and Enriching Lives:

A Guide For All 

Music Teachers 

 

 

Order now  

for concrete solutions to your everyday problems and ideas to get more satisfaction from the
best job in the world!

 

The Funnies
Smiley Face
The Rhythm Police
April 2012

Greetings!  

Twenty-five years ago I started teaching five women who were leading experts in their own professional fields but beginners on the flute. After they learned the first three notes on the flute -- B, A and G -- they dubbed themselves "The Bag Ladies" and have been a part of my studio and my life ever since. 

Why teach adults?
Imagine inviting a friend into your house once a week to make music and getting paid for it. Adults who take lessons are usually interesting people, and you can learn as much from them as they do from you. 

Teaching adults can be lucrative as they have more disposable income and flexible schedules. 


How are adults different?

 
Teaching adults is not the same as teaching young students.

Their schedules get in the way of practice; their physical abilities may too.

They don't have someone reminding them to practice and may feel regret and a pressure to move ahead fast. "At this rate, I'll be 130 before I play that Beethoven!"

Most adults don't progress at the same rate as their younger counterparts.  
 
But the biggest problem adults may face is setting unrealistically high standards for themselves. 


Enjoy the process, not just the product

Some insight from my adult student Sayoko, who picked up the flute for the first time at age 35. 
 
"Don't rob yourself of the joy of learning. Adults can get crushed under their own weight. Just sticking with it is an accomplishment. Be proud of yourself and enjoy the journey."
 
 
Make Learning Fun For Adults


Adults usually just want some connection to music and a fun hour each week, so jump on their bandwagon and make their goals your goals. 

 

If they want to play Fur Elise and you know it won't sound great, let them. If they want to talk a good part of the lesson (music therapy), give them some time for that, too.

 

Adults need performing goals too and enjoy meeting and playing with others in their situation. They love to commiserate  and like making music at playing parties for just themselves or with their families. Playing at retirement homes is fun without a lot of performance anxiety.

 

Ensembles promote musical skills, take off the pressure, and can be, as with the BAG ladies, a new social connection that can last for years.  

 

Musical Fossils

Check out this fantastic site for adult music learners and their teachers.

Musical Fossils
Learn insights on how to teach adults

Flute Flash

bubblesStudents try so hard to take big breaths but so often end up raising their shoulders, sucking in their gut, and getting in little air. Try these tricks to show them what natural breathing is:  
  • Lie on the floor with a book on abdomen and notice how the book moves up and down with each breath. 
  • Run until you are out of breath -- no moving shoulders then! 
  • Notice how your dog or cat breathes -- and they didn't even need lessons!  
  • Blow bubbles across the room and feel the force of the airstream.
                             
Bonnie's calendar -- Stop by and say hello
 

2012 Speech Calendar

  

Ready for some new ideas that can transform your students and the way you feel about your job?

Join me at the Kitsap KMTA (Kitsap Music Teachers Association) for:

  

April 13th, 11:00 a.m. 

"Transform Your Teaching" 

Ted Brown's music store  

3276 NW Plaza Rd #103

Silverdale, WA 98383

 

 

I look forward to seeing my old friends (now don't take that "old" too literally!) from the Music Teachers Association of California at their state convention for a book-signing event.

 

June 29-July 3

Book signing  

Town and Country Resort and Convention Center

500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 291-7131

 


Attention all flutists: Are you going to the NFA convention this year? Want a waiting list of students eager to pay top dollar to be in your studio?

Learn common mistakes and proven strategies to become a respected, well-paid professional with a fulfilling career at my presentation (and be sure to clap and laugh loudly!)

 

   

August 9th, 5:00 p.m. 

Speech: "Attract dream students, have fun in your studio, and start getting paid what you deserve-today!"

LOCATION: Octavius 15-18

Caesars Palace in Las Vegas!

 

 

August 9th-12th

Book signing

NFA exhibit hall Caesar's Palace

Carolyn Nussbaum booth

 

 

October 9th, 11:00 a.m. 

Olympia Music Teachers Association   

 

 

 

If you've found this newsletter fun and helpful, please forward it to your friends, teachers and colleagues. I'd love to hear your comments and any ideas or suggestions you might have about content; we can always learn from each other.

Look for more tips, tricks and stories in the coming months.

And don't forget to check out my website.

Sincerely,
Bonnie Blanchard
bonnieblanchard.com