Student Surveys

Last week, I did something new.  I handed out student surveys, and I have to admit, I was quite nervous.  But reading through them this evening, I really enjoyed it.  Thanks to everyone that filled them out!

I handed out 16 student surveys, but only got 7 back.  I really appreciate the input I did get; however, by not filling out your survey you're missing out on a vital part of your lessons.  These are to help me be a better teacher for you, and allow me to see what my students like and dislike about their lessons.  The goal is to make lessons more enjoyable for my students.

When creating the student surveys, I asked students not to put their names on them.  I wanted the surveys to be anonymous, and I have to say, it worked.  I couldn't tell whose was whose.

Even with only seven surveys returned, I noticed a few trends.  A few students commented that we never talked about anything other than violin or music, or got to know each other.  I have to admit, this is definitely a weak point of mine, and one I've worked long and hard to rectify - though obviously my work isn't done yet.  I'm naturally not a very social person.  But if there is something you want to talk about, I love listening.  You may not realize it, but I care about each of my students as individuals, and want to be here for you.

Most of my students enjoy it when I play with them.  I try to have a balance of playing with my students, so they can see and hear how it's supposed to be played, but also let them play by themselves.  So if you notice that I'm not playing with you as much, it's because I want you to become comfortable playing by yourself.  It also makes it easier for me to hear you.

There are many facets to music, and I saw that several students did not enjoy exercises and etudes as much as the pieces.  I hope you know that all those exercises I make you do (scales, double stops, shifting, sight reading, etc) help you to become a better musician.  I personally hate them too - I don't know anyone who doesn't.  But they're good for us, like vitamins and broccoli.  They help us focus on different aspects of our playing, so that when we encounter the same thing in our music, it's easier.

Another big facet to music is the social aspect.  Not just socializing with me, but also with your fellow students and the other families in the studio.  This is one reason I love teaching out of my studio - it gives my students a chance to see and hear the students before and after them.  When students come early (notice how I encourage everyone to come in when they get here?), it also gives the student whose lesson it is a chance to perform, of a sort.  We all play music for ourselves, but hopefully also for others, and that is what performing is about.  So when the next student comes in at the end of your lesson, think of it as a chance to perform and get over some nerves.

Do you know why I make you memorize music?  Mostly, because it helps develop your brain.  If you can memorize music, then it will be easier for you to memorize other things, too.  Like spelling words, names and dates for history, or the carbon cycle.  Or even your grocery list.  It's also just a good skill to have - have you ever seen a soloist perform with music?  I haven't.

Overall, the student surveys were a huge success.  I plan to revise them, and hand out new ones in a few months.  They helped me see lessons through my students' eyes, and that's a good thing.

Is there something I can do to make your lessons better?  Even if you didn't get a chance to fill in your survey, I hope you feel comfortable talking to me about it during your lesson.  One of my favorite things about being a teacher is that I am constantly learning new things, and changing the way I do things.  So please, let me know!

Happy Playing!