Large-group piano teacher advice
Hello everyone,
I've recently started teaching group beginner piano (~23 kids/class) at a public middle school in NY after only doing 1-on-1 private lessons. It's going well, but I don't really have a reference for that, so I am seeking out advice and feedback to further my efforts. Any and all advice is welcome, but some context is below:
- We are using Alfred Adult Piano Method (Vol 1 in 7th grade, Vol 2 in 8th grade), supplemented with my own theory and rhythm exercises and additional scales
- I have these students for two years, starting in 7th grade. By the end of year 1 they know syncopated 8th notes, two-octave ranges in both hands enveloping middle C, and seven 1-octave scales (C, G, and F major, their relative harmonic minors, and chromatic)
- By the end of 8th grade they will know all major and most minor scales, two octaves. They will also play what is considered beginner-intermediate repertoire (NYSSMA level 2, if that means anything to some)
- They do not memorize their scales or repertoire (they have enough on their plate imo)
- We use Yamaha P-45's, which are 88-key weighted keyboards, and equipment so that I can hear and speak to any one of them. I wipe the keyboards and headphones down with non-bleach wipes, but am unsure of what a good frequency to clean them is, considering each one is used by over a half dozen different students over the course of a week
Any advice, exercises, tips, websites, resources, or thoughts are welcome! Thank you