Recently, on a social media platfrom, we had a discussion about subtitute teaching. Most students (and parents) equate “having a sub” as having the day off. While this may be propable in modern classroom settings, private music students do not have the luxury because the lesson is so involved with the student’s actions.
In a studio or music school, a substitute teacher may be called in advance or in an emergency. Because every teacher does things differently, the substitute may not know where the student usually starts. “Do you know scales? Do you have a technical drills book?” Some teachers review only the homework material while other teachers insist on reviewing all the repertoire. Some teachers allow the student to learn the piece with hands seperately, then together, while other teachers allow the student to play the entire piece from the beginning and very slowly. These things must be communicated to the substitute before the lesson if possible so that the student is not the one taking charge of the lesson.
Having a substitute once in a while is not a bad thing. On the contrary, it can be a good reminder of appreciation for the student and family that the work that their regular teacher does. The student continues to learn his material while observing the methods of another teacher. The teacher learns to better handle the awkwardness of being the one in charge while not really knowing what’s going on. Trust me; I have substituted in my early years of teaching!
In a home setting, a regular teacher may send a substitute for make up lessons. While it is very rare, as most teachers have some flexibility in their schedules, it is possible. Most families might cringe at the thought because they are so accustomed to their teacher, the same lady or gentleman who has been showing up the same time on the same weeknight for years.
Welcome your substitute. She probably knows what the procedure for the lesson is if the regular teacher wrote it for her. Remember that she is feeling as awkward as you!
