Piano at Play
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 →
How Motherhood changed the way I teach piano (Piano Teacher Confessions)
In my piano teaching journey, everything has changed since motherhood helped me understand children from a more personal viewpoint. Piano students are children, not just piano students. Children. Not future piano teachers, not future performers, not future professional musicians. Children. Today. ...continue reading →
May the 4th be with you: Piano interval activities Ear/Tech/Sight/Repertoire [Printables]
Iconic Star Wars quotes add an element of humour to a lesson warm-up on fourths. Any reason is a good reason to get your piano students excited about intervals! Find out how you can focus on 2nd and 4th intervals with activities for Ear training, Technique, Sight reading, repertoire and more! ...continue reading →
Red 'maps' pin involves piano students in feedback process [Printables]
Have you ever tried for weeks (or longer) to help a piano student improve something about their playing, only for the idea not to catch on? The red 'maps' locator pin is the ultimate symbol for 'it's happening here.' Print your own to help students participate in feedback. ...continue reading →
Master Your Feedback Style: 3 useful Adjudication tricks for piano lessons [Printables]
The moment your piano student begins to play and you start making mental notes, you have switched into Adjudicator Mode. Learn how to manage your time, words and feedback like an adjudicator to add a bit of spark to your lessons every week and plant musical seeds that can continue to grow for a lifetime! ...continue reading →
Master Your Feedback Style: A piano teacher's guide to positive redirection
I want you to imagine that every time you respond to your piano student you are giving them a coin. And just like a coin has two sides, any statement can be phrased in one of two ways. Will your words inspire, or will they discourage? What side of the coin will you present? ...continue reading →
Egg hunt motivates your piano students to sight-clap rhythms 7 Steps [Printables]
Let's be honest, whose piano students normally jump at the chance to sight read? Or clap a rhythm? Engaged students learn more. Students who want to participate advance further. Our biggest job as piano teachers is to grab our students' attention and hook them long enough so they will want to learn more and improve...continue reading →
Gift bags organize your piano camp and group lessons. Easy and fun!
Anticipation worthy of a birthday party. That's what your students can feel as they enter your studio for each group lesson or day of piano camp. This one organizational strategy is so simple, yet so effective, that when I first did it I wondered why I'd never thought of it before. ... continue reading →
