Author: Rebekah Maxner

Composer, piano teacher, adjudicator, Titanic researcher and lover of tuxedo cats.

DIY "You're One Smart Cookie" Student gift and feedback card in one package [Printables]

Looking for a way to make your students feel special this season? For under $1 each, give this sweet little reminder of how smart you think your students are. Includes a free printable card with room for mid-year feedback plus instructions for making cookies. Choose cookies students can eat OR gingerbread clay cookie ornaments. Your pick! Either way, this gift-and-feedback all-in-one will spread a little joy. … continue reading →

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We're musicians. We understand how important tone is. Each week we work on developing beautiful tone in our students' playing. Shape a music phrase with subtle nuance and it will take on a beauty that can evoke tears in a listener. Or, play a forte passage with power and it can stir up resolve, create... Continue Reading →

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Piano teachers: The #1 tip to simplify rate raises and make-up lessons

Have you ever needed to increase the fees you charge for piano lessons but agonized over how to make the announcement? Or, have you ever wondered if there's an easier way to organize make-up lessons? There's one simple solution that has the power to fix both problems. In this post, discover policy terminology that will reframe your rate increases and protect your free time from make-up lessons. … continue reading →

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Piano Recital Time: 8 Tips to help your Beginner students play their very best

How well do your beginners handle their very first recital? Over my career I've developed 8 strategies to ease beginners into their first performing experience to help them feel comfortable, to help them learn from older students and to encourage the very best duet playing they can. Even if you've already had your spring recital, you'll want to take a look. These ideas might be a game changer for your beginners. … continue reading →

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Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Part III: Mozart, a French folk song and beyond [Printables]

Mozart and Ah! vous dirai-je, maman (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)! This is the making of a folk song and then how a composer redefined it. In Part III we trace the transformation from the earlier madrigal, La Mantovana, to the French Ah! vous dirai-je, maman. But when Mozart wrote his Theme and Variations, did he only base them on the French folk song? Evidence in his music shows otherwise. … continue reading →

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