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 →
Level 6 Royal Conservatory of Music: YouTube videos for Lists A, B, C and Studies
Looking for good demo videos of RCM student repertoire and studies? Don't have time in the lesson to click on YouTube video after video, only to be disappointed by the interpretations? Look no further! Here is my curated list of videos for RCM Level 6. Students can listen through each list as printed in the book, or click the links to listen one video at a time in YouTube. This blog post is a time saver! … continue reading →
Returning piano student Questionnaire helps focus goals for new lesson year
Want better student engagement? Better student retention? Ask your returning piano students these questions to focus your year's goals, to understand them as individuals and to know precisely how to plan for their continued development. … continue reading →
Interview New Piano Students: Questionnaire and hints for success [Printables]
Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to conduct a 'new student' interview with a parent and child looking for piano lessons? Is there a way to include the child more? What are the best questions to ask? In this post you'll find hints for success and links to questionnaires for child and parent, available in my FREE Printables. … 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 →
Difficult piano parent situations: What piano teachers can learn from flight attendants
There are times when piano teachers are confronted by piano parents who are upset and demanding. Flight attendants receive special training on how to deal with difficult passengers. Up your game professionally by watching and learning from flight attendants. … continue reading →
Level 5 Royal Conservatory of Music: YouTube videos for Lists A, B, C and Studies
Presenting a curated playlist of YouTube videos that match RCM's printed repertoire for Level 5. … continue reading →
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Part VI: Twinkle as 19th-c national songs in countries far and wide [Printables]
By the 19th century, people all over Europe wanted to celebrate their own unique cultures, folk art and music. The minor variant of our wandering Twinkle tune had been played and sung for so long in these countries that they all claimed it as their own. Find out the striking similarities and exciting differences in tunes from Sweden, France, Czechia, Romania and Israel. … continue reading →
Level 4 Royal Conservatory of Music: YouTube videos for Lists A, B, C and Studies
Presenting a curated playlist of YouTube videos that match RCM's printed repertoire for Level 4. … continue reading →