Student adjudicators: Mock piano competition hones student listening and performance skills
Even if your students are experienced in piano competitions and music festivals, plan a performance class or group lesson that simulates the competition atmosphere. There are many advantages to adding this lesson format to your schedule. ... continue reading
Make a Hot Date with Bach: Daily practice for playful renewal
I secretly wonder how many teachers have let our own practicing go; once-stunning performance skills get rusty while we hone our teaching skills. It’s not that we rest on our laurels, but that we get busy or forget to make the time. ... continue reading
Energize and focus your piano lessons with body-mind warm-ups
Energize the first three minutes of your piano lessons with warm-ups that encourage great posture, focus the mind (yours and your student's) and set the mood for learning. ... continue reading
Magnificent Thumbs: Tension-free development of the piano thumb
What does a sleepy turtle have to do with the piano thumb? Or pizza dough, or a baseball diamond or the Millennium Falcon’s boarding ramp? ... continue reading
Jazz! Goes the Weasel and Diana Krall
Today's focus is on the origins of the music, both the traditional tune and the stylistic inspiration. If you are teaching Jazz! Goes the Weasel to a young piano student, use this post as a resource and pass along any tidbits that add pizzaz. ... continue reading
Teaching tips for "Jazz! Goes the Weasel"
It’s an exciting day when your piano beginner has learned enough concepts to play (and read!) music that sounds sophisticated. "Jazz! Goes the Weasel" is a fun, quirky piece with break-out moments of pure jazzy joy. ... continue reading
