Fresh ideas for the new school year.

when invited to write this article, my first thought was--do they really want "Frush" ideas? (an irresistible pun considering my last name.) But this became intriguing since I'm celebrating my 40th teaching year. Teachers should strive to stay innovative and energized keeping our teaching creative and productive. But how?

Evaluate

Is the level of excitement, dedication and enthusiasm the same as when you first started teaching? Do you have a passion for music and education or is it a chore? MTNA membership indicates commitment, but unfortunately, some independent music teachers do not think of their studios as being a business. MTNA offers a self-assessment tool; have you completed it? Is your personal and studio appearance professional? Are you MTNA certified? Are studio policies, brochures and materials current and professional? How you perceive your occupation has much to do with its success.

Reorganize 

It's never too late for spring cleaning. Do you really need all that music? Clean out files and simplify. Place records on your computer for easier access. Rethink the design of your studio; paint or add a decorative touch to change your environment. Use a spare room as a second studio or office.

Try Something New

Keep your teaching interesting by avoiding monotonous use of repertoire. Experiment with your studio and calendar. Independent music teachers rarely include paid time off for personal enrichment; schedule a week to attend a conference or workshop. Add group classes, informative sessions or master classes. Try peer or apprentice teaching. Contact universities for music majors desiring experience; train advanced students to assist younger students with drills, ear training or theory. Students will gladly help with studio websites, computers or office work.

Use opportunities technology offers. E-mail is a wonderful communication tool. Compile a group list of e-mail addresses to send newsletters, information, PDF files of calendars and forms to your entire studio with one click. This saves time and money. Add a new teaching tool such as a CD2 of other CD recording device to record lessons of recitals. MP3 players allow students to download files for study. Provide your students free software such as Finale Notepad to teach notation and composition skills; assign listening assignments on sites such as www.classicalarchives.com/. There's even an online metronome at www.metronomeonline.com/.

Use Information and Resources

Schedule lecture/demonstrations by technicians or your local symphony conductor; secure clinicians from print dealers or music stores. Field trips to a local piano technician's shop, concerts and music stores enhance students' musical experiences.

Benefit from local, state and national associations. MTNA Music Achievement or Study Award Programs and Studio Festivals offer incentives for students. The MTNA website, www.mtna.org has links for teachers and students, archived information, AMT articles, music teacher's library, studio resources and weekly teaching tips, which MTNA asks teachers to contribute.

Collaborate with peers for chamber groups, performances, ensembles, composition, theory and recital expenses; offer joint studio group classes for senior adults or pre-schoolers. Emulate successful teachers that you admire. Host a local association "swapping program" to share tips, problem solvers, favorite teaching repertoire and expertise.

Explore Opportunities

Consider additional performance possibilities beyond malls of retirement centers. Local museums, restaurants, libraries, churches and universities often need music for a special occasion. Service clubs and schools have events that would allow a positive performance opportunity. Organize practice-a-thons of benefit concerts to raise funds for local charities or instruments for schools and organizations. Arrange for student performances prior to a concert or during intermission. Teaching music for weddings, accompaniments, church services or receptions provides experience for future opportunities and income.

Be Creative

Plan imaginative recitals and unique locations. Try themes such as ensembles, costume, sacred, patriotic, jazz or holidays. Celebrate music history milestones; feature a composer or country. Include parents, siblings or friends in performances or showcase advanced students in formal attire. Have intimate recitals in patrons' homes and serve refreshments coordinating with the music performed.

There are many more ways to maintain the joy of teaching. Not everything will work for you, but learn by trying. Have a successful school year and remember Colin Powell's advice: "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure."

Bonus BYTE

Do you have an innovative teaching concept for successful studio teaching? Have great ideas on how to motivate students to get through their practice slump? Excited to share with others what works (and what doesn't) about independent music teaching? Go to www.mtna.org/teachingtip.htm to submit your tips and browse the teaching tips archives.

Sherry Penkert

Frush, NCTM, has been an independent music teacher in Abilene, Texas, for 40 years and maintains a studio with more than 100 students. Frush is Texas MTA immediate past president and TMTA 2005 Teacher of the Year.