If you were at the One-Day Workshop, you will recall that there were several exercises that involved writing stuff on flip charts. Those flip charts are reproduced here to help you remember some of the things that were discussed during the day.

The first two address the motivations behind people joining your Singing Courses and the possible barriers. The rest discuss attributes of good teaching technique including establishing the right environment. At the bottom is the list of songs that students identified as having been used on past Singing Courses, presumably successfully.

These charts are reproduced here with very little editing. The contents represent a cross section of the knowledge/experience/opinions of the student body and are not a definitive statement by the tutors (although it is highly likely that the tutors would endorse most, if not all, of what is to be found here). There were one or two entries on the charts which the editor could not decipher and these have been omitted.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE WILL/WON'T JOIN YOUR SINGING COURSE

GOOD COMMUNICATOR

• Assesses level to teach at / accommodate existing knowledge
• Humour/light
• Interactive
• Adjust to meet needs / expectations
• Empowering the learner
• Positive, praise, not over-critical
• Truthful reinforcement and affirmation
• Awareness/ empathy
• Enthusiasm / passion/ engagement
• Mutual respect / value the students
• Well prepared
• Skilled
• Good structure/focus/plan/targets (don't teach too much)
• Flexibility
• Balance of talking v. doing
• Recognising achievement of targets - measurement /review
• Feedback
• Team work / guiding coalition
• Body language
• Involve the students quickly

MOTIVATIONS

• Free
• Always wanted to
• Social
• Self improvement
• Self esteem
• A new interest / hobby
• Polish skills
• Filling a gap in life
• Change to new musical style
• Meet people
• Have fun

BARRIERS

• Not knowing
• Can't read music
• Can't sing
• Fear of failure
• Wrong time
• Embarrassment
• Snobbery
• Make a fool
• Location
• Career demands
• Understanding
• Lack of time
• Family pressure
• Child care

POSTIVE ATMOSPHERE

• Light and space
• Smile
• Welcome - interaction
• Postive language
• Room layout - vary it
• Size of room
• Buddying
• Friendly atmosphere
• Opportunities to socialise
• No chorus uniform
• Integration
• Celebrate success - performance to friends and family
• Sense of achievement
• Humour
• Supply named information pack
• Encouragement

RESPECT AND VALUE THE SINGERS

• Praise
• Thank them for their efforts
• Recognise input and potential input from all
• Acknowledge contributions
• Be encouraging
• Use skills of other members
• Involvement
• Get feedback and respond to it
• Be truthful in a constructive way
• Don't underestimate existing ability/knowledge
• Don't make assumptions
• Show tolerance

ESTABLISH RAPPORT

• Listening skills
• Smile / welcoming
• Eye contact
• Respectful / encouraging
• Communication
• Appropriate humour
• Reward
• Name badges / personalisation
• No 'walkout'
• Greeting procedure
• Taking genuine interest
• Invite to any afterglow sessions e.g. pub
• Session must inform
• Question and encourage response/interaction

VARY MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES

• Set long and short term targets (smart targets)
• Learn tag first
• Different learning styles
• Mix up groups and pairings (buddy system)
• Keep it fun and active
• Set achievable goals
• Keep it interesting
• Achieve a feeling of success
• Teach by praise and encouragement
• Change teachers
• Mix of craft and actual songs
• Short sharp hits of 'heavy'

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS

• Room warm, comfortable, well lit
• Acoustics
• No distractions
• Rehearsal space and section rooms
• Positive atmosphere
• Welcoming
• Accessible
• Raised platform
• Presentation facilities
• Correct equipment and IT
• Ample car parking
• Toilets
• Quiet
• Refreshments where appropriate
• Size

EMPAHISE WITH INDIVIDUALS

• Group session
• Understand individual needs
• Listen (2 ears, 1 mouth)
• Structure of communication / learning styles
• Ask questions / involve
• Interact
• Treat as equals
• Sensitivity to individuals
• Know your membership / build relationships
• Take time for social opportunities
• Make eye contact with individuals
• Be available
• "we were in your shoes once"

SONGS

• I'd love to live in loveland
• Dream a little dream of me
• Jingle bell rock (for an Autumn course)
• I'm forever blowing bubbles
• Under the boardwalk
• If I could write a song
• Bring me sunshine
• Diamonds are a girl's best friend (ladies)
• One fine day (ladies)
• London medley
• There's no business like show business
• Swing low, sweet chariot
• Santa Claus is coming to town (for an Autumn course)
• Give my regards to Broadway
• Ain't misbehavin'
• Try a little tenderness
• La Mer