My glamourous online studio.

"What a treat to have David Story present to our teachers, his practical approach, expertise and practical tips were so well received, very inspirational."
"Most impressive was the way he personalizes his lessons/curriculum to every student. We are all so diverse and have different goals and natural abilities so this makes perfect sense. His long term student retention rate is a testament to his ability to engage and meet his students right where they are."

Karen Thornton
Print Manager
Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
3060 Davidson Crt Unit#1 • Burlington ON • L7M 4X7
905-319-3330 x234


Part One: Teaching Adults

1. Key Issues in Adult Education
   • Social
     • Boomers and millennials form a large cohort of prospective students in Canadian society.
     • Longer life and health spans today.
     • Burlington has a wealthy population of this cohort.
   • Economic
     • They have the time, money, and motivation to pursue music study.
       • Stories about the large informal music scene in the area.
     • The size and scope of this store further evidence this.
   • Political
     • Many Boomers use music study as a health supplement to stay sharp and involved in community life.
   • Technological
     • This cohort is comfortable with online lessons.
       • G., “This is better than in person because I get a video I can review after class.”
2. Education for Transformation
   • Adults are seeking an updated or new and improved version of themselves, and economically comfortable adults can act on these desires.
   • Restarters often deal with mild regret from adolescent decisions.
   • The infamous Boomer bucket list.
     • Managing their expectations.
3. Education at a Distance: Online and Open
   • The epidemic made students more comfortable with online learning.
     • Example: S. "I never thought this would work."

Student Motivations

• Time for oneself to practice and contemplate beauty.
• Dealing with unfinished business from their youth.
• New hobby.
• Jealousy of those who can play and hold the attention of a room.
• Curiosity about music theory.
• Play Christmas carols.
• Audition for university.
• Play in a band.
• Like a new challenge as “a collector of skills.”
• Long-standing interest.
• To challenge and preserve their cognitive abilities.

Student Challenges

• Managing expectations and the frustrations of slow learning.
• Time constraints on practice time.
• The difficulty of professional people acquiring a beginner’s mind.
• Learning to be patient.
• Personal challenges unconnected to lessons.
• Preconceived notions due to not knowing the field.
• Negative self-talk.
• Memorizing music.
• The student dies.

Student's definitions of Success

• Playing in the band.
• Having fun playing music they love.
• Learning to hear and appreciate music on a deeper level.
• Sitting for a piano exam. And, passing!
• Getting into university.
• Playing Christmas carols.
• Being able to show off for friends.

 
What Students Want from a Teacher

• Patience and understanding.
• No judgment.
• Positive feedback and encouragement.
• Personalized service.
• Broad knowledge and musical depth to pivot when needed.
• Good stories.
• Empathy.

Resources

• RCM online teaching course
• Frances Clark Center seminar, “Facilitating Adult Learning.” 
• iReal Pro app iReal Pro - Practice Made Perfect

 
 Coffee, Q&A
  
Part Two: Renewal

Ten Ideas for Professional Renewal. 

1. Restart your own lessons.
2. Learn a new instrument.
3. Join a choir.
4. Study part-time at Athabasca University and experience the ground shifting under your feet.
5. Join a musical group that plays at your level. Nigel: “Play with your peers or die.”
6. Join a gym, and get more sleep.
7. Change your curriculum: Associated board
8. Organize periodic group lessons.
9. Start a YouTube channel and demonstrate your expertise.
10. Go to music camp.
11. Attend concerts and experience the world’s best. Example: Erlene’s birthday in Paris.
12. Listen to music as a musician again. Ask yourself, "what is going on here?"

 ​"What a treat to have David Story present to our teachers, his practical approach, expertise and practical tips were so well received, very inspirational."
"Most impressive was the way he personalizes his lessons/curriculum to every student. We are all so diverse and have different goals and natural abilities so this makes perfect sense. His long term student retention rate is a testament to his ability to engage and meet his students right where they are."