How to create a successful Golden Beats Class
- Before the start of every class, go over the basics – how to hold the sticks, maintaining great posture, modifications, etc.
- Keep music volume low. Ask participants for input on volume level.
- Have a plan- but be ready to abandon it for a new one if your class “make-up” is different than you expected it to be.
- Arrive early – be there to greet every participant as they enter the room.
- Call people by name (be sure to find out what name they want to be called).
- Consistency of days and times for your Golden Beats class is extremely important. Try not to change the schedule, or if a change is necessary give lots of notice and reasons for the change.
- Select your music and your movements carefully – the music should elicit positive emotions such as joy, exuberance, or peace.
- Rehearse all new movements at half time until success is achieved at that speed before bringing the movement up to tempo.
- Your movements should be uncomplicated, easy to learn and meaningful.
- Make eye contact with each person at least 2 times during class – more is better! Smile, wink, nod, and acknowledge their success throughout class.
- Create opportunities for socialization –
- Work in pairs or small groups
- “Name Tag Day”
- On holidays – dress the part (come as the Easter Bunny or one of Santa’s Reindeer)
- Theme days (Hawaiian Luau, Caribbean Cruise Day, Funny Hat Day, sports theme, Go Green Day)
- Select music of the season (Do the Monster Mash on Halloween, Latin music on Cinco De Mayo, Jingle Bells at Christmas time, Irish music on St. Patrick’s Day)
- Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, recovery from illness, “snowbirds” return to class
- Make the connection between movements in Golden Beats and activities of daily living (ADL). Make statements like “Turn your head to look over your right shoulder. This will help you to change lanes in traffic.”
- Make it a habit to introduce new participants to the rest of the class.
- Provide techniques for meditation and stress reduction.
