Demo piano lesson - what do you do?

[txpianogirl]

Does anyone have tips for conducting a demo piano lesson? Like, how do you usually go about it and what do you do and cover during the lesson?  I know it would vary based on the student's level but any helpful tips would be appreciated! First time teacher here.

[anacrusis]

Posting just because I'm also interested in hearing this from people.

[txpianogirl]

Posting just because I'm also interested in hearing this from people.

Thank you! It doesn't look like we're going to hear from anyone though! 

[nick.burke]

I'm no teacher, but just thought I'd offer some advice as no one has contributed yet.

When you say 'Demo piano lesson' I assume you mean someone coming to trial and see if they 'like' you? If this is the case, then I don't see why a 'demo' lesson would be any different than a first lesson. If they have experience see what they are currently working on and ask them if they want to continue with that or mix things up a bit. Ask what their goals are/what they are trying to achieve and discuss ways you can help them achieve those goals. Ask or figure out how committed they are so you know how much to push them ect ect.
If the student has limited to no experience just start them out with the basics of music/piano. You can't go wrong working through a beginner book with them.

It also depends largely on how old the student is too. Are they kids? Teens? Adults?

I hope I have understood your question correctly, and if I don't make sense please ask!

[txpianogirl]

I'm no teacher, but just thought I'd offer some advice as no one has contributed yet.

When you say 'Demo piano lesson' I assume you mean someone coming to trial and see if they 'like' you? If this is the case, then I don't see why a 'demo' lesson would be any different than a first lesson. If they have experience see what they are currently working on and ask them if they want to continue with that or mix things up a bit. Ask what their goals are/what they are trying to achieve and discuss ways you can help them achieve those goals. Ask or figure out how committed they are so you know how much to push them ect ect.
If the student has limited to no experience just start them out with the basics of music/piano. You can't go wrong working through a beginner book with them.

It also depends largely on how old the student is too. Are they kids? Teens? Adults?

I hope I have understood your question correctly, and if I don't make sense please ask!

Thanks for your input! So to clarify, the demo lessons would actually be part of an interview process for a teaching position at a local music school. I think the owner (who I was in contact with) wanted me to teach some mini lessons to some of their students and I'm sure she would sit in and observe.

Even though it's a different situation, I think your advice would still apply in some ways, so thank you!

[klutzyseize]

Thanks for your input! So to clarify, the demo lessons would actually be part of an interview process for a teaching position at a local music school. I think the owner (who I was in contact with) wanted me to teach some mini lessons to some of their students and I'm sure she would sit in and observe.
Even though it's a different situation, I think your advice would still apply in some ways, so thank you!

If you were applying for a job as a music teacher at a local school, I believe the demo lessons would be a requirement. Inquire about their present approach and see if they would like to stick with it or try something new if they have experience. You should inquire as to their aspirations and objectives, and then talk about methods you may assist them in reaching those targets.

[evawillms]

Does anyone have tips for conducting a demo piano lesson? Like, how do you usually go about it and what do you do and cover during the lesson?  I know it would vary based on the student's level but any helpful tips would be appreciated! First time teacher here.

Remember, each student is unique, so adapt the lesson accordingly to cater to their needs and interests. Creating a positive and supportive environment will help the student feel comfortable and motivated to continue their piano journey. Good luck with your demo lesson!

[keypeg]

We should ask the OP how it went, and whether she got the position. 

[pianocavs]

Hi!
There are several ways to view the teaching / learning process.

One objective of this process is to help the student to move from a current situation to a future situation in the knowledge and skills related to the subject of study.

The current situation could be different for each piano student.
For a beginner, the future situation should consider the knowledge and mastery of the basic aspects of the piano.

• Knowledge of music theory (I have published a free e-book on this matter. I will be happy to share it with you If you are interested and let me know here).
  
• Understanding of this theory expressed on the piano, taking advantage of the fact that music is quite explicit in the keyboard and can be easily visualized.
  
• Practice and mastery of different topics related to the piano. Study of formal music, technical mastery, improvisation, transposition of music, expanding repertoire knowledge, etc.

To get from the current situation to the future, the student will have to follow a path of practice and improvement, and it is expected that he or she will enjoy that process.
One of the best assistances that the teacher can give to the student is to help him or she to see what, at first, is not visible on the piano.
Music is not only a subject of study, but also of research. And it helps a lot to understand the logic with which it is built.

Thinking about the above, I suggest designing the first session(s) to show the students a “general map” of this process… let them preview in some way what their future situation will be, and make it clear to them that the lessons they will take will be directed towards that future situation.
Trying to encourage them to undertake the study.
Hoping that, at the end of the first session, they are curious about what they will learn in the next sessions, and wanting to attend those lessons soon.
It would be very helpful, in this first session, to perform musical fragments that reinforce the concepts, selected so that the students really like them.

Of course there is material for lifelong piano study, but the first stations of that journey can be shown to beginners.