The modern piano teacher’s blog
As I watched my kids complete some of their daily tasks I got to thinking about teaching, of course. I wondered, “Should we let students make mistakes or should we correct everything right away?” My thinking has changed over the years, both in teaching and parenting.
With the end of the year just around the corner (or so it seems), many of our students will be getting a bit wiggly on the bench, perhaps a bit teary-eyed at staying inside on a sunny day, and in general wanting to do something just a little bit different.
One of the favourite warm-up activities we did in my studio this year was rhythm warm-ups. I wanted my students to feel a steady pulse as they played piano, but I also wanted them to improvise with rhythms so when they saw them in their music it was easier to recognize. I wanted a warm-up that kind of did it all. This week, I am sharing the warm-up with you!
Music Learning Theory (also known as MLT) is quickly becoming a buzz word in music education. But, what is it?
See how it looks in my studio and what types of clients LOVE this approach.
Halloween often is an interesting time in the studio with the excitement for trick or treating, the sugar rush (and crashes) from all the candy, plus all the accompanied redirecting that goes into a lesson. It can be exhausting for everyone.
This year, I decided to go with it and embrace these challenges! If you can’t fight ’em, join ’em.
I LOVE reading blogs and follow quite a few so that not a day goes by in which I am not exposed to a new idea or way of doing something. It keep me excited about my chosen profession … teaching music!
Here are a few new (to me) resources that will bring fresh ideas to your teaching!
The big music education news on social media these days is all about the apps that no longer work with iOS 11. I’m one of the lucky ones with only about 30 apps that no longer work with the new update. Some teachers are finding that there are even more apps that will no longer work! What is a teacher to do?
Planning lessons can take up a lot of time. When I first began teaching, I was told to budget an hour for each hour I taught. Thankfully, there are tools that have taken that planning time to a much more reasonable & sustainable level.
One of my biggest successes from last year was the addition of a travel music lab. My students who were in lab had a lot of fun & learnt so much at the same time.
Let’s Get Outside! Instead of students gazing outside wishing they could be there … move those music lessons from the piano to the backyard with these easy ideas!
Last week, we looked at the Dreaded June Slide. 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?
Regardless of whether your studio runs on regular schedule, holds group lessons, has summer camps, or takes a complete break over the summer months, it’s important to recognize that our students need something different right now. They are tired, both mentally & physically. Plus, with end of year exams, projects, outdoor sports & more out-of-town activities on the weekends … it really isn’t a wonder that our students, their families, & perhaps even us, as teachers, need a change.
These are the apps & activities my students are doing this month to ensure they are summer ready for whatever they choose to play!