Leopold Mozart's guide on how to teach composition to creative kids
Leopold Mozart revealed much about how he taught his son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in Mozart's first little keyboard compositions. Do you want to feel more confident as a composition teacher? It's actually a relief to learn some of Leopold's big secrets! … continue reading →
Teaching music to your own child: hints and tips, surviving and thriving
A personal letter from one piano teacher to another has prompted a special discussion on the dreams, aspirations, frustrations and humorous moments of what it means to teach music to your own child. Can it be done? Is it possible to survive? Read more to find out! ...continue reading →
Online piano lessons: Pointers for families setting up at home
Piano teachers can share this blog post with piano families to help them prepare for online lessons through the Zoom platform. This is the post I’m sharing with my own students and if you find it helpful, feel free to share it with yours, too! ...continue reading →
5 ways piano teachers break students' hearts
Whether you’re a current piano student (or former one), there’s a chance you’ve had a broken heart at one time or another over piano lessons. Teachers are only human, and sometimes don’t realize the impact of their actions, approaches or attitudes. This post is an attempt to mend that broken heart. ...continue reading →
Why piano students love popular music -- It's essential!
Is teaching music to a child like getting them to eat food? First you have to eat the healthy stuff before you can get to the dessert? Can a serious music teacher in good conscience encourage piano students to learn popular music? ...continue reading →
4 Cozy self-care tips for piano teachers [fall edition]
Sometimes on piano forums I see teachers reaching out asking questions about difficult situations regarding make-ups, missed lessons, transfer students and more. It's difficult to know how to cope. This post is for you! Here are steps you can take for your own self-care; four proven ways to reduce stress, improve your health, boost your mood and get through your days with more energy. ...continue reading →
'Because of piano I get to...' activity sheet shines light on gratitude [Printables]
Imagine your studio wall decorated by student artwork that focuses on thankfulness and gratitude for the piano! When your students finish this sentence: 'Because of piano, I get to...", you will learn what is most important to them, and what they are glad they get to do because of piano. This FREE printable gives you and your students the opportunity to draw and write about what you love most about piano. ...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 →
Rebekah Maxner 