It’s hard to believe that the spring semester of lessons is coming to a close. One of the most helpful things I ever started doing was scheduling Year-End Evaluations at the last lesson of the spring semester. Last week I sent home Student and Parent Questionnaires with each of my students. Next week, parents will attend the lesson with their child(ren) and we will use the time to discuss their questionnaire answers, go over my evaluation of each student, figure out summer plans, and discuss future goals and ideas for each student.
A handful of my studio parents attend every lesson, so I see them all year long, but for those who don’t, this is a great opportunity to catch up and make sure we’re all headed in the same direction. It also gives them a chance to voice any concerns or share ideas for working more effectively with their child(ren). I really love spending this time with the families and would highly recommend it for any teacher!
Here are a few links for free forms that you are welcome to download, adapt, and use in your own studio:
Year-End Evaluation Forms – this is a generic form that I use for every student. It takes a good bit of time for me to do this, but it is so helpful to think back over the past year and be intentional about future planning.
Year-End Student and Parent Questionnaires – a sample form that I used several years ago.
2011 Year-End Parent Questionnaire – I like to tweak the forms a bit each year to solicit specific feedback. This is what I’m using for the parents this year.
2011 Year-End Student Questionnaire – this year’s version.
Thank you. I also did year end evaluations this year but did not have an actual discussion with the parents. I just had them turn it in to me and then as part of our recital and I gave each student their prizes earned along with a folder of everything they had accomplished this session and a progress report. However, I like the idea of using part of a lesson time to discuss the evals with the parents. I think I will incorporate this idea for the future.
Thanks for sharing your music forms! I am an absolute promoter of using professional looking forms in the music studio to help with efficiency and professionalism. I will download your forms and add them to my list of music business forms. Thanks!
-Theresa
I did a survey last year asking if the parents would be willing to spend lesson time discussing the progress of their children. None of them wanted that. They felt my 2-5minutes catch up at end of lesson and my emails communication is enough. I actually would love to have this face to face discussion. The only time we did this was when the students came to interview. However, from year to year, I am sure their goals and desire have changed. A session like that would be very useful. However, they preferred the time is spent on lessons only.
Thanks for making the forms available. I might just use them to send home for info.
Can youplease e-mail me your year end evulation form for my music students? I would appreciate it. Thanks so much.