Teacher Tips:
The challenges of teaching online: developing a rapport and keeping the student engaged. Here are some strategies to help you meet these challenges. The fundamental structure of these lessons is call and response. No matter the sound, any and every sound made by the student should be met with something like YES! or WOW! Positive reinforcement keeps the student in a free and fearless mindset. A free and fearless mindset is where kids learn best.
Playing Posture.
With the first 10 lessons, don't worry about how the student is sitting. As long as they are holding the instrument correctly, it's ok. Keep in mind that a trumpet is heavy for a child because the center of gravity is so far from the body. Sitting cross-legged on the sofa is fine as long as they are comfortable. If the child wants to rest the bell on a pillow or on their knee, that's fine too. Just make sure that they are sitting in a way that the head doesn't reach for the horn. As you model good posture they will follow. The one time to definitely intervene with student posture is if they are reaching for the instrument with their head. A jutting head posture will only lead to problems, so if this happens, simply ask them to sit tall and bring the trumpet to their face. You'll want to reinforce this (with a smile and in a pleasant voice, of course)
The Structure.
For best results, a short 25-30 minute lesson every day for the first two weeks is recommended. The reasoning behind this is that with good direction every single time they pick up the horn for the first two weeks, they are set up for success. If you teach a kid to make a sound and then leave them to their own devices for a week before you see them again, who knows what kinds of bad habits and methods they will invent. The consistent, consecutive lessons are a key element to the success of this approach. Having a parent sit in on the lesson with the child (or zoom in) may make the experience more meaningful for the child. Perhaps a grandparent, aunt, or uncle would like to join? This takes the lesson beyond playing the trumpet; it is building memories and relationships.
Embouchure.
The most important part at the very beginning is the embouchure setup. Start with saying emm and saying puuu with a small aperture. Emphasize the need for a long exhale. Remember to say GREAT! and PERFECT! you don't need to correct - the embouchure will develop and change if you demonstrate correctly and consistently.
The Tone.
Please do not ever tell the child to blow as this will create tension. Encourage a good full inhale and have them simply exhale. A nice exhale with the embouchure in place and correct mouthpiece pressure will create a buzz (to which you smile say GREAT!) The child needs to develop the tone, so allow them to do so. Have them play long notes and experience the sensations that come with playing the instrument. Avoid talking about sound or tone production. Keep the focus on making a good tone on the trumpet. Stay positive, stay engaged, stay enthusiastic - regardless of what comes out of their horn.
Stay Engaged.
Always look into the camera of the computer when talking to the student. If you look at their face on the screen you’ll appear to be looking down. Looking into the camera feels weird but what they see is you looking into their eyes, and eye contact is important for maintaining attention and building rapport.
Stay engaged, look at the computer camera when talking, and maintain a smile and happy countenance at all times.