How To Meet Parents’ And Students’ Expectations As A Drum Lessons Teacher
You’ve shown great potential. You addressed all concerns and questions well. You’ve gained their trust. Your rate is reasonable. You’re a great match. “You’re hired!”. A student or parent’s pursuit in finding and selecting a drum lessons teacher does not end when you hear these words.
It is one thing to make an impression. Now the ball is in your hands on how you would play to meet their expectations. Parents will always be on the lookout if they’re getting their money’s worth. And a student’s performance will reflect if the learning sessions with you are really worth their while.
The following guidelines can help you size-up and manage the expectations of both parents and students:
1. Discipline. Responsibility. Role Model. Students not only pick-up drumming skills. Life skills like discipline and responsibility are also imbibed by the student while you are teaching drum lessons. Singapore teachers are expected to be role models. They expect you to come prepared, be on time, and maximize teaching sessions.
2. Patience and Positivity. Learning a new skill can be comparable to a toddler who is just taking his first step. A teacher’s role is to assure his student that you’ve got his back. You will patiently guide him in each wobbly step that he takes. In playing the drums, coordination is crucial. Yet, one does not always get it right the first time. As a teacher, you’ve got to enforce a positive attitude so that your student would be motivated in this pursuit.
3. Friendship, Fun and Excitement. Forming a student-teacher bond of friendship is actually healthy. This positive interaction could make your learning sessions more fun and exciting for your students. But of course, it should be within the bounds of professionalism and respect.
4. Tuned-in to Trends. The drum is a musical instrument that is very much present in contemporary music. Thus, your student will expect that he will be learning some current music. Of course, the rudiments of drum lessons will be there, but think of creative ways wherein you can incorporate it into the type of music that will get your students excited.
5. Plan and Purpose. ‘Why do I have to repeat this over and over?’ ‘Why am I still playing on slow tempo’? Students may lose interest when things do not make sense. Or they may lose patience when they feel they’re stuck at a certain level. As a teacher, you’ve got to let them see the big picture. Give them a roadmap as to where a certain lesson level leads to. Explain to them the plan and purpose of a particular lesson, and stress the importance of not going astray or taking short cuts.
It’s a must for a teacher to have a game plan on how a student can achieve and meet learning objectives. Each student has its own learning abilities. Thus, in teaching drum students, avoid a cut-and-paste lesson plan. A somewhat customized method would work in the best interest of the student. The credibility and fulfillment of your teaching career is affirmed and goes in full circle when you meet or surpass the expectations of your students and also their parents.