Part of my studio prep for fall is assembling Piano Binders for my new students and updating the binders of returning students. I grew up with a binder as a student myself, and in my studio I have tweaked the process a little to fit my teaching style.
As part of their tuition, my piano students receive books and materials that I purchase for their lessons, including these binders. I use a 1-inch white, 3-ring binder with plastic cover so I can customize the cover. Here's what goes inside:
Piano-opoly - My simple practice incentive game board slides into the plastic pocket on the outside of the binder and students can see at a glance how close they are to earning a prize!
Zippered pouch - I like these from Amazon, with a see-through mesh pocket and two zippered compartments. We use these for flashcards and small game pieces that I send home for practice.
Piano Practice Tracker - This is the student's assignment sheet. I designed it myself (there are several color variations, and you can get it for free in my shop!). If you print it double-sided and upside-down, you can punch it to put in the binder, and then use the back of it without re-punching the sheet by just flipping it over! Each week during the student's lesson, I fill out their practice plan, and it is their job to check the sheet each day to see what they are to work on, and put an “X” or write in the time on each day that they've practiced.
Studio Calendar - This goes in a plastic page protector and includes all the dates for lessons and breaks during the year.
Studio Policy - No excuses! I put this in a plastic page protector as well. It includes lesson information, practice tips, tuition and payment info, and my missed lesson policy. Parents receive an updated version via email at the beginning of each school year as well.
Syllabus - This is either a skills checklist based on beginning method books for my young students, or the RCM levelled checklists that you can find for free in my shop.
Technique - Printed scale and arpeggio charts with fingerings.
Music - Any sheet music that I give out during the school year goes here.
Composition - Student compositions that are assigned during the year during our group lessons (using materials from my Composer Kits) or private lessons.
Scales/Chords/Key Signatures - These are 3 separate tabs, but are meant to hold papers detailing how major and minor scales, chords, and key signatures are put together.
Music History - Students collect composer biographies (from my Composer Kits) and they live here.
The Piano Binders serve as a growing library of musical information for students as well as a place to house their assignments. The binders grow with the students and are a physical reminder of the hard work they put into practicing and music study, forming a portfolio of sorts that celebrates their achievements!
Do you use binders in your studio? I'd love to hear what you do with yours! Tell me in the comments!
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