Transfer students are tougher than students that you teach from the very beginning, and I see a lot of questions from piano teachers about students that come to them from another teacher. The next time you’re taking on a transfer student, use this cheatsheet to help you navigate the first lesson and get off on … 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
When reviewing expression marks with our students it can be easy to fall into the trap of just drilling them. Over. And over. But what about giving our students a deeper connection to the Italian terms? How can we teach them in a new way and embed them in our students’ memories? How to Use … 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
Composing for me isn’t just about creativity. A music composing project is also a wonderful way to bring your whole piano studio together and create a sense of community. Some structure is a good idea even with creative tasks. If we don’t provide a framework, many of our students will be lost at sea. Which … Read more
These quick little exercises improve your student’s musical ears – without taking a stressful amount of the lesson away. Perfect for a busy piano curriculum. How to Use Singing wall warm-ups: Stick the solfa posters on a wall or the back of a door. Review the scale by pointing to each note ascending and descending. … 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
When it comes to the modes, it’s very helpful to associate different moods, personalities or themes with each, in order to distinguish them from each other. This activity takes a quasi “memory palace” approach to the modes using poems about each mode and asking students to complete the stories and put their own spin on … Read more