
Harp Teachers Gathering meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month to discuss all facets of teaching the harp. We welcome your ideas and suggestions. The last two sessions centered around teaching policies. Replay links are at the bottom. Discussions revolved around topics such as
Group lessons
Organizing Ensembles – where to rehearse
Make-up policy – online make up lessons
We could also discuss what it costs parents whose kids are on the swim team, etc
How much notice does a student need to give you if they have decided to quit.
Liability insurance
Do you have a questionnaire that parents must fill out? Do you accept or decline students if they have too many other activities? What do you do when students’ other activities consistently interfere with lesson attendance?
WHERE ARE YOU TEACHING – privately in home, privately at a music school, group lessons, at a school, other
HOW DO YOU CHARGE/ FEE SET UP? – per lesson, month, semester, subscription, combo, other
HOW DO YOU TAKE PAYMENT?
RESCHEDULING/MISSED LESSONS AND CANCELLATION POLICY
DO STUDENTS SIGN AN AGREEMENT OR MEDIA RELEASE?
DO STUDENTS BUY THEIR MUSIC OR DO YOU BUY AND CHARGE?
taking command of your studio as a business – Kimberly/Kela
If you know a student has a lot of activities, but you like the student or you know they are very good, do you give them “less” to accommodate their access to practice time?
What do you do with a student who consistently does not practice or make progress? How to handle that?
Where to post your policy
Should you post your fees?
Where do you have recitals? How many per year? Do you charge a recital fee?
Does your policy require students to enter any specific competitions?
How do you keep track of their practice time?
The book that inspired Harp Teachers Gathering is on sale at 20% off. It is a compilation of ideas, suggestions, and helpful hints from experienced harp teachers. Contributors to this book included Stephanie Curcio, Sue Richards, Kim Robertson, Ellen Tepper, Derek Bell, Liz Cifani, Wendy Kerner Lucas, Louise Trotter, and many more. It was compiled at the Professional Harpers Gathering on the East Coast in the early 1990’s. Sixteen chapters, well over 100 pages on standard sized paper! Includes a complete index. Although dated, this book remains an excellent resource for any teacher of harp. Table of Contents: The First Lesson, Group Lessons, Tuning, Relaxation, Theory, Practicing, Sightreading, Memorization, Musicality, Choosing Repertoire, Playing by Ear, Improvising, Sessions, Accompanying and Arranging, Orchestral Playing, Becoming a Confident Performer, Stage Deportment. Find the book HERE Use coupon code HTG.