G clef and F clef. How fun are these to teach to the wee ones? Within the first few lessons, my preschool kids know all about G clef and F clef, they can place the G note on the G line, and the F note on the F line. And of course, they can place middle C with ease. (view post)
Group Theory Class
If you have never tried group classes with your students, I highly recommend you consider it. The majority of my students attend a weekly group class in addition to their weekly private lesson. These students generally progress faster and have a much better retention rate than other students. There are many benefits to having students attend group class on a regular basis. (view post)
Student Awards and Trophies at Recital?
I have always rewarded exceptional achievement in the way of special awards, complete with medallions, trophies, scholarships, gifts, etc., at our year end recital. I do not give the awards out lightly, and the students must have worked very hard to earn them. (view post)
Non Music Teachers Unite!
Are you required to teach a music curriculum, and struggling to find teaching materials that are easy to use? In our part of the world, music in the public school system has been pushed further down on the priority list and in some cases, eliminated altogether. Nevermind having a music specialist go around to each school to teach music. Those days seem to be long gone. More and more, non music teachers are required to add this subject, and they struggle, even turning to kids in the class that have private music lessons, for help.
I’ve been saying for years that I would one day provide a mentorship program, offering guidance and materials to these teachers, home school moms, etc. Perhaps that day is right around the corner, but for now, our materials can be utilized in every situation, private lessons, group music classes, elementary school, home school, and Montessori schools.
If you find yourself in a similar situation and need some assistance, check out our materials, get in touch, follow this blog. We are here to help. We also offer private consultations / workshops for “teachers in need”. Send us a message for details.
Claps and holds and more holds
Young children (and preschoolers in particular) love clapping rhythms! We use rhythm blocks, rhythm cards, and even a metronome (just because they get such a big kick of it). We start by simply introducing what each value sounds like, with basic words. Once they can easily identify the symbols and clap a few bars, we focus our attention to feeling the beat getting into a groove. (view post)
Master Classes
The majority of students in my studio attend weekly classes in addition to private lessons. The focus is on group theory and performance. If your students are not already comfortable performing for each other, there is no time like the present. Why is this important, and how can you do it? (view post)
The 25 Piece Challenge
After hearing about all the 40 / 30 / (insert desired number here) piece challenges out there, I decided to try my own (with just 12 weeks left until recital). I invited the students to participate, and none of them declined. 25 pieces in 12 weeks: more pieces than some of the beginners had learned in total. (view post)
Finger Puppets
I have many finger puppets in my studio for the wee ones. Having them practice getting the puppets on themselves builds coordination and finger dexterity, not to mention all the fun we have singing our silly songs. There are always “10 Little Monkeys” in our finger puppet box, ready to jump off the bed and all that stuff 🙂 (view post)
Get Off the Bench
For young students especially, it can be exhausting to concentrate at the piano for 30 minutes at a time. It is crucial to change their focus. Getting off the bench and onto the floor for some hands on activities give them the boost they need to stay with you until the lesson is over and to reinforce the FUN in piano lessons! (view post)
Off the “Piano” Bench Games, Activities, Materials, and FUN!
Welcome to my website. This has been a long time in the making. If you are as passionate as I am about teaching outside the box in your studio, you will find lots of fresh ideas and materials here. I welcome all comments and suggestions, and hope you find a little piece of inspiration. Thanks for stopping by!