NFMC piano trio selection | A Jolly Little Jingle | for Christmas, too! [FREE printable]
Did you know that Jingle Bells and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas can be played together at the same time? They can! And the music that happens when they are brought together is so very special. I call it A Jolly Little Jingle. This trio builds musical understanding of counterpoint and listening skills, all the while helping students appreciate beauty. This blog post helps you teach it! … continue reading →
ABRSM Initial Grade List A | Zonko's Big Adventure | Teaching tips and Escape Room Tutorial [FREE Printable]
What is this ABRSM Initial Grade List A selection all about? Find out how Zonko's Big Adventure prepares students for Baroque and Classical music, how to get a FREE tutorial download, get links to helpful YouTube videos and the story behind writing the music. Everything you need is here! … continue reading →
Piano lessons: How to Onboard the new piano students and parents you WANT in your studio
Have you ever wondered what to do about a disrespectful piano parent or a student who doesn't practice? Have you ever wished your students had better practice instruments? This step-by-step onboarding process will help you learn who's who before you choose who to accept into your studio. Since I developed this checklist, I've built the best studio I've ever had. If you want to know what it's like to teach with fewer troubles, read on! … continue reading →
Piano Recital Audience Behaviour: How your students can help teach good etiquette [FREE printables]
On recital day, will you wait to find your audience is making noise, walking around and scrolling on their phones? Or, will you create a short student presentation on audience expectations that teaches good concert etiquette? If you want the latter, here’s how to set that up! Blog post includes FREE printables! … continue reading →
Oh Can You Wash Your Father's Shirt: Learn the tunes [Tutorial videos and FREE printable]
Learn or teach this delightful traditional piano tune that has been passed on for generations! Choose Rote (by watching the keys) or note (with a FREE sheet). Then, teach it to a friend! … continue reading →
Oh Can You Wash Your Father's Shirt: Traditional ROTE piano tune [Teacher intro]
Here’s the teacher’s intro post to a charming folk rote piano piece all on black keys. Commonly known as “Oh Can You Wash Your Father’s Shirt,” here’s a fun updated version that kids love! This is the first of a series that will set you up with FREE printables to use in your piano studio! … continue reading →
Help! My music student sings out of tune!
Is your music student singing out of tune? Or is your student afraid to even try singing because of past experiences? Help them learn to match pitch by ear with this gentle approach wrapped up in a fun game. Comes with a FREE printable! … continue reading →
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Part II: Then there was a madrigal in Italy [Printables]
Discover the 17th-century Renaissance-to-Baroque Italian versions of one of the world's most-loved melodies, complete with music samples. Here's the next chapter of the story as we know it. This music holds clues to the exact Italian versions that influenced contemporary spread across the European continent. … continue reading →
Candle student gift 'lights up' piano practice over the winter break!
Do your piano students forget to practice over your holiday break? Here's a bright idea that will keep them practicing and holding on to the skills they've built over the fall months! It's a student gift and practice incentive all wrapped up in one! Get full instructions and the link to the FREE printable with this blog post! … continue reading →