I’m learning a lot about teaching from the new line dancing class I’ve started!
The teacher has an awareness that there is only so much new information that we can take in, but it doesn’t stop her from overloading us.
We usually start each session with something easy: either a dance we’ve done before, or something that’s really simple and quick to learn.
But from then on the evening is relentless, with few breaks and an onslaught of new information.
It’s not often enough that I get to be a punter — especially in an ongoing, weekly group — and I have learnt a lot to help my own teaching of songs.
Here are five tips for your singing sessions.
1. start simple
Always start a singing session with something easy. Either something that everyone always knows, or something that’s quick and easy to learn.
2. don’t cram the session with all new material
There is only so much new information that people can take in. After a while their brain will stop absorbing new stuff. At the very least mix things up with new songs and old, familiar easy ones. Ideally, introduce only one (or maximum two) new songs at each session. See Less is more: don’t feel you have to teach or learn new songs all the time.
3. have a decent break
It’s not enough to have a really short break to grab a drink of water, singers need a more substantial break in order to go to the loo, catch up with friends, etc. It also gives the brain time to work in the background and absorb the new material.
4. revise songs in each session
Don’t just teach a song once. Keep coming back to it. Not necessarily every week, but make sure you revise material regularly before it gets forgotten.
5. end simple
If you are going to introduce new songs or tackle difficult sections of songs, do it earlier in the session. Try not to do new or tricky stuff at the end or it simply won’t go in. It’s great to let singers leave with a feeling of accomplishment.
you might also like to read …
How many songs can you teach in an hour?
Sometimes old is best – finding the balance between new and familiar
Novelty vs. familiarity – how to keep things fresh without alienating your singers
Chris Rowbury
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