Teaching students of any age in group or private lessons requires at least some emotional connection.​ Whose heart wouldn’t melt at the sound of a little one running down the hall, arms open wide, saying “Ms. Beff! Ms. Beff! Ms. Beff!” on the way to her piano lesson? Granted, this will not happen with a preteen young man, but I’ll take a “hey, whatssup” any day.

In a private lesson, of course, that is easier to accomplish because of the one-on-one dynamic. Establishing rapport with each student creates a loving atmosphere that encourages trust. I’ve always been a bit of a “Pollyanna”, but I do sincerely believe that if a student knows that their teacher cares about them, they can learn anything. How do we as private lesson teachers translate that same human connection, and even friendship, through online lessons?

Unable to reach through the screen to correct hand position, or write in phrasing, I’ve become dependent on others to help. Parents have been amazing! I’ve observed they would rather me ask for their help than to keep trying to explain something in different ways. This need for assistance has created more open lines of communication for me with many parents. We’re texting and emailing more, sending videos, pictures of fingering, and new song ideas. This made my day: I asked a dad if his son had looked at a song I scanned for him, and he replied, “um, not yet...but I tried it!”. I love that.

Most adult musicians adapted easily to lessons online since communicating in this manner is a norm in their work or school environments. Across the board though, they miss the direct connection only in-person lessons provide. I spend a few minutes more with them than my younger students talking about what life is truly like for them, and encouraging them to find solace and peace in their own beautiful piano music.

My fellow instructors have been an incredible source of inspiration. Sharing fun ideas to try is great, but they’re also a wonderful sounding board for advice and support. For the first time ever in a Zoom faculty meeting, I confessed to being thoroughly exhausted. This way of teaching requires hours more prep and follow-up. A few weeks ago, I would’ve never been that transparent; however, I’m learning through this crisis to be what I want others to be with me...vulnerable. To parents, colleagues, adult students - please reach out with how things are really going, how you’re really feeling. Let’s support each other through this tumultuous season of our lives. And yes, that may include putting on your Crazy Hair and dancing it out, my friends!

Mr. Doug and Dr. Klondike have challenged their students to collectively learn 100 new pieces by the end of the semester. If they succeed, the guitar students will be treated to an exclusive celebration party.

In order for a piece to qualify as one of the 100, students must evaluate their own playing based on a set of criteria they set for themselves. Criteria can include accuracy, and musicality, among others. Each criteria is rated on a 5 point scale by the student, and any piece that scores twenty or over is placed on the 100 Piece Challenge board.

“It is so great to see all of our students working together, and challenging themselves to accomplish a goal,” said Dr. Klondike.

As the students work to complete the challenge they learn accountability and self-evaluation skills. For Mr. Doug the best part about the project is the “conversation that the rating process creates.” He notes that students are able to “objectively assess” and “focus on specific ideas” related to their playing.

As of this writing students have learned a total of 71 new songs ranging from classical repertoire to today’s popular music.

Congratulations to these students for achieving great things in their musical education! Learn more about the Musical Journey here.

Orpheus Academy raised over $1,000 for the Javier Niño Memorial Scholarship Fund at our fall faculty concerts.

This scholarship honors the memory of Javi, a young man who’s drive, passion, and kindness brought joy into the lives of those who knew him.

Javi was a dedicated guitar student who led by example, and inspired those around him. Those who knew him said that Javi was a “positive force in this world” who helped peers “envision what [they] could accomplish in life.”

This scholarship benefits young musicians who seek to better their lives through higher education—an opportunity that Javi dreamed of, but never had a chance to realize. Recipients of the scholarship will receive weekly guitar lessons from a mentor of recognized excellence, will be eligible for a free instrument, and will have special performance opportunities throughout the school year.
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We became aware of this special cause through Orpheus alum, and UT Music School student, Aaron B., who was good friends with Javi. Aaron’s mother, Diane S. (another Orpheus alum), helped set up the fund with Austin Classical Guitar. We are so happy to make a significant contribution to this fund and further our mission to change the lives of young people through music education. ​