Piano at Play
Get top-notch student preparation with piano lesson weekly candy challenge
"What would your piano lessons be like if you didn't have to give constant reminders like cut your fingernails, remember to practice, finish your theory, and sit with good posture? In one simple, inexpensive incentive with candy rewards I’ve been able to forego reminders and give rewards, instead. Learn how you, too, can motivate your students. ...continue reading →
'Starry Dreams (Do Come True)' Level 6 Jazz piano piece [eSheet]
"Do what you love until others love it, too." There are moments in your professional life when you take stock of where you are, how far you've come and what started it all. This post is about rediscovering my genesis as a composer: 1) with a new Level 6 Jazz piece that harkens back to my earliest days of improvising on the piano, and 2) professional photos inspired by the composer who first inspired me. ...continue reading →
O Canada piano arrangements perfect for public events, school assemblies and recitals
School assemblies and graduations, Canada Day, official ceremonies including Remembrance Day, and Canada Music Week recitals in November -- all these begin with the playing or singing of our national anthem. Canada's iconic national anthem now has five versatile and appealing piano arrangements. Click to see and hear O Canada arranged by five Canadian composers, written to reflect the pride we feel for our beautiful nation. ...continue reading →
DIY Piano Dictation Book: your professional communication tool [Printables]
Want to save phone calls, misunderstandings with piano parents regarding policies, and streamline how you operate your studio business? Consider printing your own studio dictation books. Put everything you, your students and parents need into one book that opens lines for clear communication: your policies, helpful hints on practicing, phone numbers, performance hall addresses, finger exercises, blank staff paper and enough lesson sheets for the entire lesson year! All bound with Yearbook-style covers with photos of your students as they grow with music. ...continue reading →
Understanding piano parents: What Minor League Baseball taught me
As I sat through ball practices and games, barely catching the innings and outs, I finally understood how it felt to be a piano parent who didn't know the ins and outs of piano. What I learned from being a ball mom who felt almost completely in the dark, was a brand-new sense of compassion for the well-meaning yet uninformed piano parent. ...continue reading →
'Quitting' piano: 7 options for teachers, students and parents
Someday each and every student is going to discontinue. It is natural and inevitable. No one takes piano lessons forever. Yet, the emotion of stopping is usually wrapped up in disappointment or regret. Here are some ideas for piano teachers to help all involved navigate the end of a student's piano lesson chapter with compassion and professionalism. ...continue reading →
Organ 101: how to give a lesson to introduce piano students of all levels [Printables]
The pipe organ is an incredible instrument. It is awe-inspiring and majestic. Put a child at the helm and they become instantly hooked. Find ideas on how to introduce your piano students to the organ with two printables: a fascinating history of the organ and a sheet of musical exercises to get you started. ...continue reading →
Self-care for piano teachers: 6 tips for mental, physical and spiritual wellness [Printables]
As piano teachers, we have many demands put on us – from studio parents, students and loved ones at home. Here is a post to help you take care of yourself, and in turn, others. It is an act of compassion to yourself and those who depend on you -- including your students -- to take good care of your own wellness: mental, physical and spiritual. ...continue reading →
Piano cake perfect for studio or grad recitals, group lessons, parties [Recipe]
This do-it-yourself cake adds a lot of excitement to any piano occasion! Are you planning a reception at the end of your students' recital? Or maybe your own graduation recital? Maybe you are having a special piano party or a special final group lesson? Whatever your piano occasion, here is a cake that looks great, and is inexpensive and easy to make. ...continue reading →
