Piano at Play
6 steps to Improvising and Composing left hand piano [Printables]
Have you composed an original melody? Are you feeling inspired to improvise solo piano music or a piano accompaniment for a church chorus, or a popular tune you’ve learned by ear? Creating a left hand part on the piano is satisfying. ... continue reading →
6 Expressive Repertoire Picks for Early Piano Levels [Free samples]
Expressive music is perhaps the single biggest thing that hooks kids on piano. Give a student a piece that helps them discover their sensitive side, and you'll see more practice, more personal investment and better advancement. ... continue reading →
Composing music? Steps 5 to 8 help you make your piece longer [Printables]
You can be a composer. All it takes is believing in yourself and allowing the time to let it happen. The process of composing is a chance to unplug from our fast-paced world and unwind, discovering the music within you. What’s next? It’s the biggest question ... continue reading →
Want to compose music? Steps 1 to 4 help you begin [Printables]
In a world where we have instant access to so much ready-made information and entertainment in ever-decreasing byte-sizes, I believe that now, more than ever, it is important to get in touch with your inner creative life. To slow down. ... continue reading →
Student adjudicators: Mock piano competition hones student skills [Printables]
Even if your students are experienced in piano competitions and music festivals, plan a performance class or group lesson that simulates the competition atmosphere. There are many advantages to adding this lesson format to your schedule. ... continue reading →
Make a Hot Date with Bach: Daily practice for playful renewal
I secretly wonder how many teachers have let our own practicing go; once-stunning performance skills get rusty while we hone our teaching skills. It’s not that we rest on our laurels, but that we get busy or forget to make the time. ... continue reading →
Piano Yoga: Focus your piano lessons with body-mind warm-ups [Videos]
Energize the first three minutes of your piano lessons with warm-ups that encourage great posture, focus the mind (yours and your student's) and set the mood for learning. ... continue reading →
4 Tips for Teaching Tension-free piano hands and thumbs [Photos]
Most of us heard it from our piano teachers: curve your fingers. But that's not enough. Find out how a sleepy turtle, a lump of pizza dough, a baseball diamond and the Millennium Falcon’s boarding ramp can help ... continue reading →
More Teaching Tips for Jazz! Goes the Weasel
Today's focus is on the origins of the music, both the traditional tune and the stylistic inspiration. If you are teaching Jazz! Goes the Weasel to a young piano student, use this post as a resource and pass along any tidbits that add pizzaz. ... continue reading →
