Piano at Play
'Ditto Drops' glass melts keep piano practice repeats focused and fun [Printables]
What are 'Ditto Drops'? They are glass melts of every colour under the rainbow, from the size of your thumbnail to slightly bigger. Each piece of glass is unique, kiln-fired at a glass studio. 'Ditto' comes from a Latin word that means 'the same thing again.' Find out how to use them in piano lessons and in practice to help count repeats. ...continue reading →
Why you need a piano studio Child Protection Policy and Plan [Printables]
Several years ago a piano teacher friend called me in distress, looking for support and advice. During lessons with a male student, she was getting strange vibes. What if you were this teacher? Find out how to design your studio space for both transparency surrounding child safety and your own protection, and print an editable Child Protection Policy and Plan. A must-read for every serious piano teacher. ...continue reading →
Get Organized with Piano Repertoire 'Elements and Outcomes' sheet [Printables]
Don’t leave your students’ year-to-year development to chance! Kick your teaching up a notch with this post’s free Piano Repertoire 'Elements and Outcomes' sheet. Track music elements, skills, knowledge and affective outcomes and use the sheet to help create a comprehensive program. ...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 →
How to teach confidence reading piano staff music [Printable]
How do you help a reluctant sight reader? Is lack of confidence holding your students back from becoming fluent readers of music? Boost confidence and encourage better sight reading with this clever, fun strategy. For years this trick has been helping my students and it can help yours, too! Keep reading! ...continue reading →
Christmas and Winter Piano solos, duets, and trios for all levels [Printable]
Here is a whole gift bag's worth of ideas for exciting, motivating repertoire to make the season bright. Music is one of the things that makes the holidays so special; music brings us together, it is something we share with one another and a vital part of the holiday. In this post you'll find Christmas solos, duets, at least one trio, plus wintry music that is versatile and can be played during and after the holidays. ...continue reading →
Piano Student Attendance policies that avoid teacher burnout
To avoid misunderstandings with your studio parents, have a clear policy on student misses. Otherwise a policy grey area might become a policy headache -- which may lead to your own burnout. Be proactive with your schedule: print, define, set up a switch list, offer fill-in lessons and decide if, when and how you will offer make-ups. You’ll require less energy for administration and have more for making music. ...continue reading →
Piano Teacher Attendance policies that work for parents, students and you
There are two people who must attend every piano lesson: the student and the teacher. Piano lessons can be expensive for young families. Step one for having a professional piano studio is having a well-defined attendance policy -- your own -- and letting your clients know how you manage your time so they know they'll get value for their investment. ...continue reading →
