How do I become a Piano Detectives Club instructor?
In order to become a Piano Detectives Club educator, instructors must have licensure as well as a Teacher Kit.
First-time Piano Detectives Club instructors must complete a virtual training in order to obtain an active license, which grants them access to the complete library of online PDF and video resources as well as pedagogical support and updates.
Instructors also will need to have a Piano Detectives Club Teacher Kit, which will equip them with curriculum and specialized classroom supplies needed throughout the course.
What kind of teaching space do I need?
You will need a classroom or studio space large enough to accommodate up to six young students and two instructors. You’ll need room for everyone to move around comfortably and eventually will need space to set up five learning centers.
You will also need to have an easily accessible, second studio in which to teach mini-private lessons to the detectives throughout the course of the class hour. It may be possible to conduct these private lessons at a piano in the main classroom, but this alternative can be disruptive to the students’ learning environment and is not preferable.
Can I use my Piano Detectives Club supplies for teaching other students and activities?
Of course! Our supplies have been carefully crafted to promote strong educational experiences, and we encourage teachers to be creative in the ways they utilize our materials in their other teaching.
Do I have to have two teachers?
Piano Detectives Club is designed to be taught by two instructors or by a lead teacher and an assistant. Middle school or high school aged piano students from your studio or musically experienced parents can make ideal classroom assistants!
How long does it take to prepare a class session?
Preparation time for the lead instructor will vary from week to week and averages about one hour. The beginning of each class plan has a clear list of supplies and a checklist of items to prepare before class begins. We recommend looking ahead at the following week’s preparation at least a day or two in advance so that you have time to plan ahead without stress.
The assistant teacher should plan to arrive 5-10 minutes before class time and read the “Clues for Watson” call-out box in the weekly class plans contained in the Teacher Manual. This will give the assistant insight into each week’s agenda and how best to support the lead instructor during the class session.
How many students can be enrolled in a class?
Piano Detectives Club classes function most effectively with four to six students. In order to ensure that each student receives the individual attention needed to excel, we recommend having no more than six students per class section.
Do I have to use The Music Tree Time to Begin?
The Piano Detectives Club curriculum is built around The Music Tree Time to Begin method and activities books. You will need to use Time to Begin for the Piano Detectives Club curriculum. Students who complete the program will be prepared to continue in Music Tree or in another method of the teacher’s choice.