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I'm considering adding a computer lab to my studio this spring and piloting it to 3 sets of siblings, where one could work at the computer while the other is having a private lesson. I have a computer and keyboard, and would just need to add software and a plan.

Who here has added a lab after they have been teaching a while? What were the pros and cons? Did you require it for everyone? How long is the lab time? How much more did you charge, and was it beneficial to the students?

One more question: what sort of software do you have on it?

I have windows XP professional at the present, as well as Finale 2008.

Two words of wisdom concerning a computer lab for your studio:

DO IT!!

I suggest starting with Music Ace Maestro. It's great fun AND teaches a lot that you don't have to spend precious lesson time going over. It teaches things from the very beginning like basic theory, ear training, etc. starting with the introduction to the staff with lesson 1 and going all the way through all scales, keys, harmony, etc. by the time they get to lesson 48.

One of the greatest things about this program is that it constantly adjusts to each student as they are doing it. I really like this for my students because one student might take longer to get a certain concept, and the program is patient until they get it. On the other hand, if another student already gets it, they fly through that lesson and on to the next!

My students do it for 15 or 30 minutes either before or after their lesson. It's about $100 per year for 15 minute weekly sessions. Some teachers roll it into their tuition and don't charge a separate fee. This encourages students (parents) to take advantage of it since it's included anyway. I've never had a student START doing the lab who QUIT, which means they love it, it's great fun!

It is definitely beneficial, and I love it when I start to introduce a "new" concept in their lesson, and then they say, "Oh, yeah, I know what that is." And they continue to tell me all about it because they already learned it on the computer!

Other good programs are:

Alfred's Interactive Musician
Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory
Pianomouse (good for really little ones)
Groovy Shapes

Good luck!

I have one with Finale and Music Ace on it. The pros is that the kids will gravitate towards it, the cons is that chances are they'll just play around on the keyboard. That isn't bad, because they are playing and being creative, which you always want to cultivate. However, if you don't have some goals, assignments, and accountability for doing the music theory and notation software, they won't do it on their own. That is something that I've discovered and I haven't quite bothered to do anything about that (a little busy with WMTA auditions coming up!) but I plan to resolve that once things calm down again.

CJP had a good idea about scheduling students. I didn't ask my students to pay for the extra time, but perhaps that is a good idea so that the parents will make sure they get there to do the work.

But Music Ace keeps track of their progress, so if they do just play around and don't do the lesson, you'll know it! =)