Assessment in the Private Studio Setting: Supporting Student Learning,Providing Effective Instruction,and Building Faculty-Student Interaction

Abstract

A significant amount of literature exists about how to design and implement an effective assessment process for students in a music program, specifically in the classroom setting. This article suggests a framework for incorporating individualized assessment in the private-lesson setting based on effective classroom assessment practices. Many in-service music teachers also teach privately. Applying their knowledge of classroom-based assessments and effective teaching strategies to the private-lesson setting can support student learning, provide effective instruction, and build faculty and student interaction. The private teacher plays a significant role in the education of music students. All music instructors—applied and classroom—should prioritize high-quality instruction, provide formative feedback to students, demonstrate teacher effectiveness to their employer (students, parents, or music educators), and use self-reflection to improve their instruction.