How to Make New Music Students Feel at Home
With fall fast approaching, I wanted to write a post all about welcoming new students. As a performer, I am often in the position that my students are in during lessons. Part of what makes a great teacher is creating a comfortable environment for their students. Here are some fool-proof tips that I hope will help you to embrace new students!
Tip #1 - Make it Cozy
Adding pillows, throw blankets, and candles are an easy way to increase the cozy - factor in your studio. I love the home department at Anthropologie, and teachers who are on a budget can find some great steels in the home sale department.
Check out a few of my favorite music room accessories below:
Pillows that won’t break the bank
A throw blanket that adds a pop of color
Note on candles: you’ll want to ask your students first before lighting candles, to make sure that they don’t have scent - sensitivities or an asthma-related condition.
Note on rented studio space: for those of you that rent a space for your lessons, don’t worry! You’ll just want to ask permission before bringing in accessories/water (see below) . I would focus on items that are easy to transport back and forth and that aren’t extremely valuable. These small additions to the rented room will brighten up an otherwise generic space.
Tip #2 - Provide Cold Water and/or Hot Water for Tea During the Colder Months
Hydration really is key, and even though I constantly remind my students to keep water on them at all times, I’ve started to keep a few jugs of water in the fridge to put out for lessons. This simple touch goes a long way to making students feel welcome. It’s also extremely important to stay hydrated during lessons, especially for singing lessons.
I really like this sealable glass water jug from IKEA. Again, you can keep a couple of these filled in the fridge so they’re ready to go.
Tip #3 - Let the Student do Most of the Talking
This is something I need to remind myself of over and over again, especially when it comes to meeting students for the first time. I know how hard it can be to let students do the talking in a first lesson, because you have so much that you want to share with them. Learning a musical instrument isn’t something that happens overnight, which is why many students end up studying with their private teacher for many years. The relationship grows and builds overtime, and you will be able to share all of your knowledge and wisdom with them. As a way to avoid completely overwhelming your new students and yourself, don’t feel like you need to get everything out in the first lesson!
I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips on how to make new students feel welcome in your studio. Please share your thoughts in the comments below - I would love to hear from you and other ways that you like to welcome new students!
Cheers,
Lauren