What are off-bench activities? We get this question a lot. Why? Because we are offering an exciting, 21st century approach to teaching lessons that is unique and new to music instruction.
The traditional way of piano lessons is that the teacher teaches a concept through songs, the the student goes home to practice, and then they return to show what they accomplished…and on to the next concept. Rinse and repeat.
That is not how we do things at AJ’s Music Factory.
Instead, students come in for lessons and after we learn new songs and concepts, students get to spend time using all of the technology, games, resources, and activities that are available in the studio. They are reviewing their music lesson in multiple domains: sensory, auditory, kinesthetic. Immediately students are using different off-bench ways to retain and review new concepts. And guess what? They are having FUN while learning!
Traditional lessons can also become quite lonely. Students frequently do off-bench activities together to give a sense of camaraderie within the studio. Seeing their lesson buddies becomes a highlight of the week!
Very few studios use a format like this, but this is why AJ’s Music Factory students tend to love their lessons. The days of “Do I have to go to music lessons?” have been replaced with “When do I get to go to music lessons?!” Our format supports students in their learning and brings fun and excitement into their lessons that is unique to our studio.
Take a look at a few examples of AJ’s Music Factory off-bench time:
Reading and internalizing rhythm patterns through Rhythm Cups:
Activities from “Rhythm: Make It Count!” Resource. Here we are feeling where different beats fall within a 4/4 time signature through balloons and tennis balls.
Feeling the beat with Bucket Drumming. We even glow in the dark from time to time!
We often review concepts through game-play. Here we combine note names, durations and mathematics in SLUMBERSAURUS!
Reviewing terms and concepts through Musical Heads Up!
Want to experience the new generation of music lessons? Contact us at andrea@ajsmusicfactory.com or 612.275.1895.