Sometimes inspiration comes from new places & it can lead to places you hadn’t quite expected. “Snow Fairies Under The Moonlight” is a unique piece in the Snow Fairies Saga (collection) in that it falls under this category.
Continue reading “Snow Fairies Under The Moonlight: A New Inspiration”Winter-Themed Music That Students Love
It might be cold outside, but the right playlist (including during teaching time) makes all the difference. While I like Christmas music as much as the next person, the playlist can get a bit … repetitive. Below are some Winter-themed music that students love to play. And, teachers love hearing during lessons!
Continue reading “Winter-Themed Music That Students Love”4 Signs You Need To Change Your (Studio) Business Approach
Running a studio, or any business, is not a static thing. It changes & evolves over time. But, how do you know when to change your business approach? Because let’s face it. That’s not an easy thing to know when you’re in the midst of the day to day.
I’ll not only share signs you need to make changes, but advice to help you along the way. You’ll hear about what this has looked like in both my studio & The Unfinished Lesson. My hope is the lessons I’ve learnt along the way (& continue to learn) will make this an easier process for you.
You’ll also notice that I tend to use “business” instead of “studio” throughout. One, you are running a business when you run a studio. Two, with so many teachers creating resources & running a side business it’s important to look at each business for the best results.
Continue reading “4 Signs You Need To Change Your (Studio) Business Approach”Keeping Clients in the Know
One of the most effective ways to get (& keep) your clients on your side is to keep them informed. Especially for families that are already juggling multiple after-school activities for each child. The easiest way to accomplish this is through a studio newsletter.
Continue reading “Keeping Clients in the Know”How Fun Piano Practice Ideas Start With Easy Improvisation
Practice time. It’s either the bane or joy of each teacher & student’s existence. In my studio, I always am looking for fun piano practice ideas so between lessons is a joy … not a struggle. Otherwise, I know it won’t happen.
Continue reading “How Fun Piano Practice Ideas Start With Easy Improvisation”Planning Made Easy
The secret to planning piano lessons quickly is to reduce the number of things you need to plan for each student. I know. It’s a bit of a “Captain Obvious” statement. But, how often do you add more to your weekly planning by following the latest shiny object?
Continue reading “Planning Made Easy”Lazin’ Around … Teacher Style
Whether over the Summer or another season, it’s important to take regular breaks. But, it’s SO hard when you teach or run a studio. Right?
Oftentimes, I like to make a list of tasks that I want to accomplish before the rush of a new school year starts. While I like to relax as much as the next person, there is something about extended periods (more than 1 – 2 weeks) of doing nothing that just doesn’t work for me.
Continue reading “Lazin’ Around … Teacher Style”Take It Outside! Easy Outdoor Music Lesson Ideas For Your Studio
How many times do you catch your students (or maybe even yourself) gazing out the window wishing they weren’t stuck at the piano? Let’s stop fighting a losing battle & give our students what they want with easy outdoor music lesson ideas!
Towards the end of a semester, it’s all about keeping our students engaged until the very last lesson. What if I told you that you could have an educationally sound, music filled lesson … outside? Yes!
Continue reading “Take It Outside! Easy Outdoor Music Lesson Ideas For Your Studio”Fun Music Theory Ideas For End of Year
It’s that time of year where it is oh-so-easy to just let go & coast to end of the month. But, is that really what’s best for our students? No! Fun music theory ideas designed for the end of the year are the perfect way to highlight the amazing progress each student has made.
Continue reading “Fun Music Theory Ideas For End of Year”Keeping Students Engaged to the Last Lesson
June. The weather is perfect for dinners on the patio, a fantastic fruity drink in hand, kids running around with their friends not to be seen for hours, visiting with friends in the extended evenings & relaxing in the sun (or shade, if you burn like I do). But, keeping students engaged to last lesson can be challenge.
Or, perhaps your June looks a little more like our home …
Continue reading “Keeping Students Engaged to the Last Lesson”