Did you ever have a student come back in September after a long summer break and he was like…a brand new student? I mean, sometimes it can feel like he lost about 6 months of progress in those couple of months off from lessons. What can we do to stop this happening? That’s where the … Read more
As more and more scales get introduced, it’s great to have lots of tricks up your sleeve so piano students don’t mix them up. Try out all of these scale drills and your students will know their scales backwards, forwards and upside down! Have fun! How to Use Keep the sheet in your student’s folder/binder … Read more
For some students, my inventive practice strategies are fun and engaging…for others they just seem to get in the way. When a student is over-scheduled, or easily overwhelmed they may need a more straight-forward approach. How to Use Stick a suitable sticker on your student’s music or in their practice notebook. Practice using the strategy … Read more
If you teach your students to play scales you may have come up against this question. Perhaps every so often, perhaps even every week. Or every day! “Why do I have to practice scales? They’re so boring!” Most of us teachers understand the benefits of scales…but it can be difficult to articulate it when you’re … Read more
Habits are one of the most powerful ways we get stuff done. It is usually habit, not willpower, that keeps us eating healthily, exercising regularly, or learning new things. But how do we harness this power and help our students form real and lasting piano practice habit? How to Use Decide which of your students … Read more
Do your students get bored during scale practice? Do YOU get bored during your students’ scale practice? I think challenging students to play in new ways can keep their minds active, and make their scale practice more efficient. How to Use Keep the sheet in your student’s folder/binder or on the wall in your studio … Read more
This piano practice feedback loop printable is such a fun way to get kids thinking, and it always makes them giggle! It’s also a great way to get your non-musical parents involved in practice time, giving them questions to ask their child so they don’t feel like a bystander. How to Use Keep the sheet … Read more
This is a chance for personal growth for your students. Thinking carefully about practice habits, practice quality, attitude and concentration is a great way to round off a year or semester. Use this simple self-evaluation form to help your students think about what went well for the last year, what they want to achieve next … Read more
These practice kits will help your students to level up their practice time and have more fun in the process! The original practice kit shared on the blog included the Playful Practice cards, however in this adapted version I have removed this from the instructions so that you have everything you need right here in … Read more
Young students need to move in order to really focus. Draw a Silliness Siesta card every time your student’s attention starts to drift – take the 2-3 minute break – and then get back to business at the piano. How to Use Use these cards whenever you feel your student’s energy and focus is starting … Read more