In any beginning orchestra class, there will be students learning at different rates. Each student comes from a unique background with various exposure to music. Some come to my class already reading notes with years of piano experience while others are experiencing instruments for the very first time. This week I've been working to help each of my students get to the 'next level' of playing by determining what each individual students needs to focus on the most.
A great video to introduce this is any of the Rob Landes videos where he played iconic music from 'noob' to 'epic.' We discuss in class how each student and progress to the next level.
On Monday, I have students self-assess their skills throughout the rehearsal using this tracking sheet:
After students completed the evaluation, I had them circle one 'level' where they would like to focus and improve.
Tuesday, I took the student evaluations from the day before and stapled a practice activity to the back - customized to help the student improve on the level they selected. The 3 areas of focus were TECHNIQUE, NOTE READING, and CONCERT MUSIC.
When class started, I explained how to complete the practice assignment. As students practiced, I was free to roam the room and provide one-on-one help for individual students. I didn't have time to listen to every single student, but I made sure to listen to any student on the yellow level (Technique). It was so good to have the time to give students a mini private lesson and I believe students improved a ton. It is magical to see their eyes light up as they see themselves improve and grow in playing and confidence. Since I didn't have time to listen to every student, we talked about how we have to be our own teacher when we practice by paying attention and fixing our own mistakes.
This was a great way to meet the needs of my ALL of my students - at any level.
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