Relax, Share, and Laugh!
12 Sep
Recently, I spent a lesson with one student simply reviewing past songs learned. I’ve done this a few times with other students and it has always been a relaxing and fun way to spend a lesson.
This time, I was rather disappointed. My student couldn’t play any of the old songs! This student passes songs off each week and then we move on. But something must not be getting through if the student is unable to play a much easier song learned several weeks ago.
I think I have learned that I need to spend more time reviewing during lessons just to spot check my students. But do you have any suggestions for what I can do when that spot check proves the students aren’t retaining what they are learning?
3 Responses for "Review"
I suggest doing a review song or two every week as part of the assignment. Either you or the student can pick the song, and hopefully the student will think of it as the “easy” part of practicing!
I agree with Lauren. Another thing to do is practice sight reading with them. Every week pull out a book that is two levels or so below their current level, and have them play two or three songs by sight. My teachers never did this, and now I suffer greatly when someone asks me to play at church (because I never really learned to sight read!)
Hi,
I also have the same share with Erin.
I make them play sight reading at least twice a month due to time constrain. At least, for me it does helps.
Sadly, most students don’t like to do the sight-reading simply because it requires a well focused and balance on a spontaneous eyes hands co-ordination.
Besides, it’s my request that they start with a new short piece before they attempt the songs that I have teached.
I also do spot check on this periodically and will continue to highlight this issue to the parents as when it’s necessaries.
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