Piano at Play
Christmas and Winter Piano solos, duets, and trios for all levels [Free printable]
Christmas calls for amazing music. In fact, music is one of the things that makes the holidays so special. In this post you'll find Christmas solos, duets, at least one trio, plus wintry music that is versatile and can be played during and after the holidays. ...continue reading →
Piano Student Attendance policies that avoid teacher burnout
To avoid misunderstandings with your studio parents, have a clear policy on student misses. Otherwise a policy grey area might become a policy headache -- which may lead to your own burnout. Be proactive with your schedule: print, define, set up a switch list, offer fill-in lessons and decide if, when and how you will offer make-ups. You’ll require less energy for administration and have more for making music. ...continue reading →
Piano Teacher Attendance policies that work for parents, students and you
There are two people who must attend every piano lesson: the student and the teacher. Piano lessons can be expensive for young families. Step one for having a professional piano studio is having a well-defined attendance policy -- your own -- and letting your clients know how you manage your time so they know they'll get value for their investment. ...continue reading →
Book launch: Rock the Boat for Early Elementary piano students [note/rote/duets]
Rock the Boat is filled to the brim with music students will love. Your Early Elementary students can play the blues, walking bass jazz, boogie patterns, beautiful, sensitive melodies, and catchy, energetic themes that are fun to sing along with. Note and rote options, lots of lyrics and each piece comes with a teacher duet that enhances the student’s musical experience and development. ...continue reading →
4 Spooky Repertoire Picks for Early Piano Levels [Videos]
For music that sends chills down your spine, look no further! Here are four spooky picks for Late Elementary to Early Intermediate. Each piece is only one page, ideal for a themed performance. Hauntingly beautiful with catchy rhythms and harmonic twists and turns, your students will play these frightfully well! ...continue reading →
Tidbits: CFMTA 2019 conference wrap, Rock the Boat update, The Noise of Time review
3 tidbits of news: 1) CFMTA Winnipeg 2019: here’s a fun little conference wrap with photos. 2) Exciting update on Rock the Boat, my new Early Elementary piano collection with note and rote solos with optional teacher duets. Your students are going to love it! 3) Book review of Julian Barnes's The Noise of Time. ...continue reading →
4 Tips for expressive playing using 'Green Shade' [RCM Level 6 List C]
Before learning to play music by composers like Chopin, Intermediate piano students benefit from repertoire that nurtures expressive, Romantic-styled playing. Here are 4 tips for playing expressively using ‘Green Shade’. ...continue reading →
Piano Pen Pals - beat the 'solitary-piano-lesson blues' socially [Printables]
Ever want to beat the “solitary-piano-lesson” blues? Here’s a social activity for your studio that’s off the beaten path — pen pal letters! If it's possible, writing and receiving letters is more fun today than ever. It’s motivating for a student to hear from someone their age, writing about practicing the piano and their favourite piece of music. Here’s everything you need to get started. ...continue reading →
Get top-notch student preparation with piano lesson weekly 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 →
