Fun and effective weekly piano lesson challenge [Printables]
Many piano teachers enjoy acknowledging hard work with small rewards. This incentive avoids plastic prizes and is simple to keep track of. It focuses on effort and gives students weekly feedback on five points they're working on developing. Do it with or without stickers or candies. It has proven very fun, and is one of my most-shared posts. ...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 into one book: policies, practicing hints, phone numbers, performance hall addresses, finger exercises, staff paper and lesson sheets, bound with Yearbook-style covers. ...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 →
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 →