Remember the classic excuse "my dog ate my homework?" Mischievous kids have always been creative in explaining why they are unable to turn in their work on time. On the other hand, have you ever heard of a parent offering an excuse because their child has turned in extra homework?

A SmartMusic educator recently sent me the following e-mail he received from the parent of a student using SmartMusic at home:

Mr. J,

I have been using David's SmartMusic to practice my clarinet that I recently took out of my closet after 20 years. I didn't realize that my practice time would be recorded in David's practice record. So a portion of his practice time is mine and a portion is his. He has practiced SmartMusic for more that 45 minutes over the past week, but I do not know the exact number. I hope this doesn't mess up the grading.

Julie

I love this e-mail. The fact that SmartMusic inspired a parent to practice for the first time in 20 years is awesome, as is the parent's honesty and concern that her son not get credit for any work he didn't do.

I'm pleased to report there's a free solution to the problem of both a parent and a student sharing a copy of SmartMusic. Check out James Anderson's post here - while he's describing how siblings can share a SmartMusic account, it applies to parents, too.

While I've changed the names to respect the anonymity of all participants, I'd ask that "Mr. J" pass my encouragement on to "Julie." In fact, I think we should encourage more parents to dust off their instruments and make a little music here and there: what a great antidote for the stress that our busy lives create!

If you are a teacher, you already know the importance of communicating with the parents of your students. Sharing with them your class goals, grading policies and expectations helps everyone feel more comfortable and can alleviate possible misunderstandings throughout the year. With all the forms of communication now available, this is easier than ever to accomplish.

In the case of SmartMusic, how can you effectively communicate your plans for using SmartMusic during the school year? I recommend a special event for parents (and students) where SmartMusic and Gradebook will be demonstrated. Even after SmartMusic was fully integrated into my band program, I scheduled a SmartMusic Demonstration Night each year that lasted no longer than an hour. It was informative but I also wanted to create excitement!

Here are few ideas:

Make this demonstration your own! In addition to showing the features of SmartMusic, clearly communicate to the parents why you are using SmartMusic with your students, how you plan to use it in your curriculum during the year and why it will be beneficial for the students to use it. Displaying enthusiasm during the session will help parents and students see your commitment to enrich the students' learning experiences by using this technology.

Demonstrate:

• The tuner, metronome and recorder (these three features purchased separately could easily cost $100).
• The assessment/recording capabilities, tempo control of sound files, click track, etc. Choose from repertoire, method books, etc. Parents will see the benefit of students being able to get instantaneous feedback. Even those without music backgrounds easily grasp this.
• Recordings can be saved as mp3 files and be used on an mp3 player, emailed across the country or burned to a CD.
• The Audio Import feature and all its capabilities! This is incredible technology!
• The process of an assignment being submitted to your Gradebook.

Highlight benefits to students and parents:

• The features in SmartMusic can help students of all ability levels improve their skills independently.
• Better performances=better grades. Students have more control of the grades they earn.
• Individualized attention for all students.
• Students and parents can see and hear completed assignments including your personalized comments online, 24/7.
• There is better communication between the teacher, student and parent.
• You will be showing that you are using current technology in your classes.

More Tips:

• Select students to help demonstrate SmartMusic. Even if you are just starting to use SmartMusic, having students involved in this process is powerful.
• Choose a variety of musical examples (and instruments if applicable).
• Use resources available at smartmusic.com such as the brief videos that are available. You could use the Teacher Video as a starting point for the session.
• Advertise the meeting through letters home, email, class website, school newsletter.
• Invite your principal!
• Plan the set up and equipment you will need (LCD projector, speakers, chairs for guests and performers, internet connection, etc).
• If you have a SmartMusic Training Guide, there are more examples in the Best Practices section.

I hope this gives you some ideas for your SmartMusic Demonstration Night. Let us know how it goes!

Bob