Teaching small pupils at their homes

[unknown-user]

I’m sorry if I ask a question that has been dealt with before, but how do other teachers find teaching small children at their homes? I find it very difficult compared to when they come to my house, or in a school classroom setting. It is as if I have no control over them in their own homes, but I am fine when they are with me in my home. I don’t know why, and if the problem lies with me only, but I would appreciate if other teachers can share their views.

[adam-b-harris]

I haven’t taught harp in other people’s homes, but I have taught other instruments and yes this can be a problem. They are more comfortable in their own surroundings and that sometimes makes them more likely to reveal their “true self”. (some children that is, many are fine – a general rule of thumb is if the parents are idiots then the children may also be)

All I can suggest is to be firm with them from the outset and close down any undesirable behavior at the first sign of trouble. Bear in mind that its not worth keeping the gig if the kid is a monster. When I used to teach and was contacted by the parent I would ask straight out if the child has any medical conditions or behavioral disorders that I should know about. If there was even a suggestion of the later I would pass. If the parent says something like “they have their moments just like any other normal 10 year old” then warning bells should be going off.

Bottom line, both the parents and kid need to know that if they want to learn to play the harp they need to pull their head in.

[unknown-user]

Adam, thank you very much for your helpful input. Anybody else?

[patricia-jaeger]

There is no way that a teacher can customize a lesson to a harp student, young or old, without all the equipment that is in the home/studio of the teacher: various pieces of music, metronome, C tuning fork, large mirror,- many other things that in a flash, just as needed, the teacher can use. Having a piano to demonstrate certain points about intervals, having a large library of different composers; possibly a computer loaded with a rhythm game or an example of someone playing the student’s piece-all these accoutrements can enrich the lesson so there is more learning and motivation going on. The student’s home is where they can be casual. The teacher’s home/studio is a formal place where going in the door each week means respect for someone knowing more about harp and able to pass that knowledge along; not to a listener with a casual attitude.

[unknown-user]

Patricia, many thanks, you post is my sentiments and my experience exactly. I am also irritated if I need something which I don’t have with me, but I am more frustrated with the fact that the child does not cooperate with me as they would at my house. Is that aspect your experience too?

[patricia-jaeger]

I have not taught small children in their own homes on the harp. When I was first beginning to teach music it was violin, and I recall two young students in grade school, where the parent had me come to their house for the lessons. After several lessons I had a conversation with the parents about how I could give a better lesson in the same hour, if the student could come to my home instead where there was an abundance of teaching tools of various kinds, so the student could learn easier and achieve more in the assigned hour. The parent agreed, since this makes economic sense. Since you teach these young children, see if a similar conversation with those parents will produce a result of adding that student to your studio location. If the “who can bring the student-I go to work” question comes up, you could agree to some unusual hour for the lesson with you (temporary, because life is full of changes, and perhaps a friend of that parent will help, etc.) and also as this small student grows in responsibility there might be bus or other transportation available. Hopefully soon you will be teaching better, in your own workspace!

[unknown-user]

Thank you very much Patricia. Very helpful. Anybody else?

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