What every piano teacher needs to know about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Does a piano teacher have a right to talk to a child's parents about how they learn? Is this a private subject?
The truth is that neurodiverse people are often so intelligent that teachers (and parents) miss that they're struggling. Find out how to help your exceptional students who may not be living up to their potential. … continue reading →
What every piano teacher needs to know about Autism (ASD)
More than a classroom teacher, more than a sports coach and sometimes even more than a parent, a piano teacher holds a unique position in a child's life. We observe the children in our studios in a very focused learning environment once a week. This blog post explores Autism (ASD) as a first step to help piano teachers know how to respond to neurodiversity in the piano studio environment. … continue reading →
Piano Posture begins with the feet: DIY Foot Blocks for studio and students at home
Sometimes despite our best efforts to teach good piano posture, students at home sit too close, have cramped arms, or have hands and arms at angles that might cause injury. There's something we can do to improve student posture at home, and it begins with the feet. Find out how these DIY foot blocks can transform student posture at home. … continue reading →
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 →