Outline

Teacher’s Workshop 2024, Long and McQuade Burlington

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.
       • Examples: H., M., N.
   • 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.
     • Personal stories: ARCT, Jazz Camps, online lessons, and Athabasca University.
   • 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.” 

 
 Coffee, Q&A
  
Part Two: Renewal

Ten Ideas for Professional Renewal. 

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