Hey Teacher Friend,

I hope you are enjoying the start of your weekend (yay woohoo!)

If you are anywhere near the eastern half of the United States, you might also be watching winter weather roll in and are thinking about what to do if lessons need to shift.

Inclement weather days usually box us into one of the following three options:

1. Credit the lesson
2. Schedule makeups
3. Move everything online

My go-to strategy for snow days or any kind of inclement weather is asynchronous lessons.

They are simple, quick to deliver, and they give everyone a true and unexpected day off.

What I appreciate most about asynchronous lessons is that they offer me permission to not stress if the student is going to follow through or not.

I simply put together something thoughtful and engaging that is a bit different than what we would have done in person. The students get to explore something fun that we do not always have time for in a regular lesson and I don't get resentful if it isn't 100% completed.

I like to keep asynchronous assignments simple with lessons that can be used for everyone, such as Music History.

One of my favorite tools for this is Composer Chronicles from Dynamic Doodle Co.​

And let me tell you, the collection of composers are pleasantly diverse!

Each composer set already gives you a structure, including a short YouTube listening video, age-appropriate printables for your students, and more.

I usually pair that with a short video from me recorded on Zoom or Loom where I introduce the composer and explain what to do next.

If I want students to learn some music...

• I might teach a short rote piece right in the video or link one I can find on youtube
• I might send an easier piece and talk through how to approach it
• I might not send anything and ask students to review two favorite past pieces after they complete their composer study

It is to keep things light while still giving students something meaningful to explore on their own. It also reassures parents that value is still there, even on a weather day.

This works especially well because the same format can be reused. One short video per age group plus the right materials, and you have an asynchronous lesson that does not take much time to prepare.

It is one of those tools that can turn an inclement weather day into a small perk of the job instead of something we dread or push through.

Whatever you choose, keep it simple and light. Keep the video short. Pick what works best for your studio, your students, and your energy.

If you want to hear more about how I approach asynchronous lessons, below are episodes that you can find on any podcast platform. Click on the photos for the YouTube link.

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A few things happening in Scrappy Piano Teacher land...

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• Last week’s podcast with Amy Chaplin​
A light, practical conversation about digital organization and reducing the mental clutter that comes with teaching and running a studio. Check it out here!​

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• New Ask Me Anything episode coming Monday, Jan 26th​
Real questions from teachers in a short Scrappy Snippet. Click here if you want to submit a question for future AMA episodes.

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• Studio Reset Cohort registration opens Monday​
A six-week reset for teachers who want their studio to feel more manageable and supportive, both mentally and financially. Look for an email all about how to join or check it out when it is released at www.scrappypianoteacher.com on Monday

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• Free Scrappy Circle meetup on February 13 at noon Eastern​
A relaxed Zoom conversation with guest Janna Williamson all about recitals in a realistic, low-pressure way. RSVP Here, we would love to have you!

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Thanks again for being here, and wherever you are in the world, and whatever type of weather is coming your way, stay safe and keep things simple.

Talk soon,

Jaci