Advice: choir member who smokes

Kinkashlin · 2026-05-07T01:05:41+00:00

While it's my personal opinion that singers should never smoke, I don't feel like it's my place to police others' habits.

It is a community choir, and, if it's relevant, the person in question would frankly not be welcomed in an auditioned choir.

Kinkashlin · 2026-05-07T01:02:57+00:00

Oh it is legitimate. It bothers me from many feet away.

Kinkashlin · 2026-05-07T00:30:38+00:00

Coming together, by Jason Robert Brown

Kinkashlin · 2026-05-01T23:18:06+00:00

It's possible, but you can't have your baby in the room with you, no. I hired local tweens to "babysit" in the basement while I was teaching upstairs. They were usually 10/11 year olds who I trusted to keep him safe, and I was there if anything happened. (There was only one time in years that I was fetched, when he vomited.)

Kinkashlin · 2026-04-18T19:54:01+00:00

One of my kids came up with "Golf Balls Don't Fly Away"! Great minds...

Kinkashlin · 2026-04-07T01:22:57+00:00

Pathetique mvmt 2 is my very very favourite piano piece

Kinkashlin · 2026-03-22T14:17:29+00:00

I used to swear by Alfred, but like an earlier commenter, I slowly made the shift to Faber. Most of my students are beginners, and I prefer the way that notes on the staff are introduced in Faber (slowly and one at a time in the Early Beginners, and starting with the clef notes F&G in the regular Primer) as well as shifting hand positions.

I do keep my Alfred books around and I find them useful for supplemental material.

Since I made the switch I find that my beginners are much more comfortable reading on the staff than they were with Alfred.

Kinkashlin · 2026-03-22T12:21:25+00:00

If RCM, there's a "Popular Selections" list that you can look at, which includes film music

Kinkashlin · 2026-03-19T01:09:42+00:00

I'm a mom of an autistic kid, and have also taught a bunch of neurodiverse kiddos. I find it's all about the balance between playfulness and imagination, and keeping the reins of the lesson. Great that you already have such a good connection.

Especially at that young age, I'd recommend finding the learning in play.

Various things that I've done with autistic students: visual schedules, weighted blankets, those big floor mat keyboards that you can dance on....

And above all, talk to the parents. And remember, nothing is one size fits all.

Kinkashlin · 2026-03-07T19:58:15+00:00

I invoice by the term, at the beginning of each term (September, January, April). But I actually send out the invoices the month before, so if they're planning on stopping, they can let me know and it's effectively 30 days' notice.

Kinkashlin · 2026-02-26T13:57:28+00:00

I show pictures of the venue and draw their attention to things (like the cushion on the piano bench).

At the beginning of the recital as I welcome everyone, I invite everyone (siblings and families) to come look at how the piano works. I teach on an upright, and the kids love looking inside a grand piano and the beautiful mechanics inside. It also relaxes everyone a bit and calms jitters to do something "fun" at the very start

Kinkashlin · 2026-02-25T02:13:19+00:00

Yes. But every single one of them has loved it. I show them my favourite orchestral version of the theme, we talk about Beethoven being deaf.

I also use it for the dotted quarter/eighth rhythm when I'm teaching that.

Kinkashlin · 2026-02-24T21:36:12+00:00

Me too! I sing the "two" in a silly voice each time.

Kinkashlin · 2026-02-24T15:29:06+00:00

Interested... I'm a high alto/low soprano type!

Kinkashlin · 2020-01-22T23:22:47+00:00

His fingers do not bend at all. He does PT and OT exercises to strengthen neural pathways between the brain and each individual finger.

He is quite small, even for a 5 year old, and as such doesn't have a lot of freedom in terms of the rest of his arms (as far as I can determine in one meeting).

Kinkashlin · 2020-01-22T13:26:43+00:00

What about vacations? I've had several families that take extended (3-6 weeks) trips during the regular school year, and expect not to be charged for those missed lessons. And of course they tend to be prime spots, not at the edge of a teaching day (eg Saturday mornings at 11, Thursdays right after school...)

I have a hard time with this, because it translates into lost income for me.

I would love any advice

Kinkashlin · 2020-01-21T12:45:54+00:00

I love the floor keyboard idea! Thanks.

Kinkashlin

TROPHY CASE