My Pre-Twinkle class has a tendency to start late. When we were routinely delaying class start by fifteen minutes I knew something needed to change. Not only was the late start limiting our total class time together, those first 15 minutes of class were wasted for the students who did come on time. People were rushing in late and the energy was too scattered to get a clear start to class.

I made the following five shifts to class to make sure we were back on a timely track. If this is an challenge for you I hope you find some ideas below.

1) Class Email

Dear Twinkle class,
The goal in music isn’t to be the fastest or play the loudest, but rather to play in beautiful harmony with each other. Just as we stand together, play together and bow together, we must arrive for class together.

Arriving even one minute late does change the energy of our class and sends a subtle message to your children that they don’t need to harmonize with the rest of the group.

Please help us hone this macro and micro skill of musicianship by prioritizing timely arrival. Our goal is to be unpacked and tuned, ready to take our bow, at 9:05.

I know parking, weather, and room changes slows us all down. I’ll do my best to email you in advance with room change reminders and heads up on tricky parking days.

Many thanks,
drake

2) Routinized the room set up and start
The room is set up the same way every time: door open, tapes on the floor, instructions on the board, my violin unpacked in the front, my shoes next to my case.

I write instructions on the board for where students should go and what they need. No matter when the parents/students walk in, they will see the instructions on the board. If we’ve already started, this makes for a smooth(er) entry into the class.

We start with watching a video (explained below) while I tune all of the instruments. We take a big bow together. Once the first domino has started falling, students know the whole class has started. If families arrive after that domino cascade they know they are late.

3) Non-negotiable start
Don’t wait for everyone to arrive– your start time will be pushed back later and later every week. Instead plan to start when you plan to start. I’ve set the time 9:05 as my official start to class, so I get going at 9:05 even if only one student is sitting in front of me.

4) Video Overture
For ten minutes before the first bow (from 8:55-9:05) I project a video onto the screen at the front of the classroom. I am fortunate enough to have a Mac with internet access, a great projector, and recording technology in the classroom I teach in. I take full advantage!

Projecting a video at the beginning of class allows the students who come in early to have an ‘audience’ experience every Saturday. I also use this opportunity to show a diversity of musical styles and performers of various ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds.

Channeling the attention of the entire group onto one focal point at the beginning of class allows us to all start on the same page.

5) Be on time
I make sure I am always on time. I take the start of group class as seriously as I would a commitment to play a solo recital at Carnegie Hall. If you are ever late it will be difficult for your class to cultivate a sense of punctuality and harmony. Lead by example.