Teaching tip · 1 min read

Decide when a piece is ready to share, revisit or move on from

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Illustrated explanation

“Ready” depends on the purpose

  1. 01

    Share

    Prepare a deliberate start and communicate the character.

  2. 02

    Revisit

    Work on the small section that breaks the phrase.

  3. 03

    Move on

    Explain the learning achieved and the next skill to develop.

A piece can have served a learning purpose while still offering more to explore.

A piece does not need to be permanently perfect before it has served a learning purpose. Decide what “ready” means for this occasion.

Ready to share

Can the learner begin deliberately, continue through small mistakes and communicate the intended character? A family performance may need a different preparation from an examination.

Ready to revisit

If a small section repeatedly interrupts the phrase, identify that section and the skill it needs. Avoid sending the learner back to the beginning after every stumble.

Ready to move on

A piece may have achieved its teaching goal even if further polishing is possible. Explain what has been learned and what the next piece will develop.

Include the learner

Ask whether they want to keep the piece in their repertoire. Familiar music can provide enjoyment and a place to practise new expressive ideas.

Use readiness records to support the conversation. A square or status is a summary of a review, not the entire meaning of the music.

Track specific bars.