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Small (But Efficient) Teaching Spaces
While the studios in Bruce Berr's article are inspiring and impressive, they also required substantial financial resources. We asked our readers to submit photos of small teaching spaces—we think you'll find these spaces efficient, creative, and inspiring as well!
A combination of grand and digital pianos provides versatility, while the monitor above the digital piano allows students to sight-read and perform music with Home ConcertXtreme, watch YouTube videos and tutorials,and score music in Finale. Submitted by Jennifer Fink, NCTM, Olathe, Kansas.
This 1,080-square-foot studio was built as a "mother-in-law" home next to the main residence, and it provides ample space for private lessons, group piano lessons, and early childhood classes. The kitchen cabinets store music, while the counters serve as a work space. The bottom photo shows "moving day," when the grand piano arrived. Submitted by Dorla Aparicio, Keene, Texas.
This studio occupies a converted one-car garage, providing plenty of space for group teaching. Fold-away furniture allows for additional room when needed
A separate entrance to the studio helps maintain a professional atmosphere. Submitted by Judith Jain, New Tampa, Florida.
These shelves occupy the space where a bathtub once lived, holding music, manipulatives, and teaching supplies. Opposite the shelves are a sink and toilet for student use.
Two closets were removed and a long countertop was installed to house computer workstations. Custom-built drawers hold MIDI keyboards. Submitted by Leila Viss, Centennial, Colorado.
This efficient studio was converted from a small dining room in a one-bedroom apartment. Submitted by Katherine Greene, NCTM, Clarendon Hills, Illinois.
This is my amateur world, where I learn classical as well as contemporary pieces and record YouTube videos. Recording yourself andplacing those recordings before the public is agreat self-teaching tool. Submitted by Olivier Lebra, San Diego, California.
Everything is within easy reach from the teacher’s seat (students sit at an adjacent grand piano), from pencils and highlighters to student files, recordings, and the metronome. The print on the wall is helpful in musical discussions. Submitted by Arlene Steffen, Fresno, California.
Tall shelves store a variety of books, games, supplies, and student artwork. Shorter nine-cube shelves (from Target) hold additional music and provide a desktop surface. The privacy screen (from Hobby Lobby) creates an “ear-training” corner, isolates the studio from distraction, and tastefully conceals the work area. Submitted by Kathy Hoster, Mokena, Illinois
This 1920s home features unique woodwork and built-ins. A kitchen large enough for a dining table allows this studio to be located in the dining room, and the living area serves as a waiting room for parents and siblings. Submitted by Joy Morin, Bowling Green, Ohio.
The headphones and digital pianos allow for the instruction of two students at the same time. The chalk-board provides an opportunity for students to write out notation and theory work.
This studio features a “triangle” among the grand piano, digital piano, and computer/iPad station. Students constantly rotate among these spaces during lessons. Submitted by Kathy Winston Rabago, Velocity Music Academy, Cedar Park, Texas.
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