American Center for Elemental Music and Movement 5/28/19 American Center for Elemental Music and Movement 5/28/19

Supporting the Reluctant Participant

My students don't want to participate.

Maybe they're watching instead of joining in. Maybe singing or moving feels risky. Maybe you're getting silliness, avoidance, refusal, or students who only participate when everyone else does.

Before increasing the demand, it can help to ask what is making participation difficult—and whether there's a smaller, safer way into the experience.

American Center for Elemental Music and Movement 5/28/19 American Center for Elemental Music and Movement 5/28/19

Help With Older Beginners

My students are older, but they're beginning musicians.

Maybe your students haven't had consistent music instruction. Maybe their previous experiences are all over the map. Or maybe they're capable, interesting older kids who simply haven't developed some of the foundational skills you expected them to have by now.