Comments on: About Natalie

By: Regina

Regina — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:07:08 +0000

Natalie,
I am not sure how you find time for teaching, blogging, maintaining your website, etc…but Thank You! I find a lot of inspiration for my own teaching from your blog, and appreciate all of the fantastic resources.
Regina
Charlotte, NC

By: natalie

natalie — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:50:59 +0000

Hi Alicia!
Oh yes, if you have a local association in your area, I highly recommend joining! In fact, you can read another post I wrote about how much I enjoy having the interaction with other colleagues here: http://musicmattersblog.com/2010/01/08/re-igniting-enthusiasm-congregate-with-colleagues/. Plus, if you’re still in college you can get the collegiate rate, which is very reasonable.
Both of our local associations have excellent referral programs that new teachers in the area especially find beneficial. Plus, most associations offer a variety of student events throughout the year that provide great musical experiences. I know I certainly can’t imagine teaching without the benefits I derive from our music teachers associations!

By: Alicia

Alicia — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:25:59 +0000

Natalie,
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I began teaching when I was 15 and enjoyed it for a while, but got frustrated after always getting good students but bad parents. However, I did have a few good students, so I kept going. I am a junior in college and took a piano pedagogy class last spring. It was amazing! I gave me a completely different outlook on teaching just like the workshop you went to. However, I find myself at the point where I have many ideas, but am not exactly sure where to go from here. I only have 5 students and am praying that God leads me more if it is His will. I am thinking about joining NMTA, along with my state and local associations. Do you have any advice?
Thank you and God bless!

By: Rebecca G.

Rebecca G. — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:27:04 +0000

Hi Natalie!
When you do an ensemble recital, with duets, how do you work with the students in their individual lessons? Do they each practice their parts separately, then get together a few times to work together? Do you play the other duet part with each of them so they know what it sounds like? I would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks!

By: Thank you «

Thank you « — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:59:59 +0000

[...] to Natalie Wickham from the Music Matters Blog, a piano teacher’s cornucopia of tips, articles and links, a big [...]

By: Martina

Martina — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:35:38 +0000

Dear Natalie, after having enjoyed your great site for quite a few weeks now, I really have to thank you for sharing your experiences and your game ideas. Its really generous of you to give so many insights in your work and to inspire us to become better teachers! I am writing from Germany where I am teaching four days as an employed teacher at a school. I think I have some quite good students, but I never thought much about fun in the lessons – this also wasn’t an issue during my studies at a German Hochschule… Since the new school year started, I am using flashcards and dice, and I must say we never laughed so much in the lessons! Thank you for those ideas!
After moving last year, the school where I am teaching is one hour away, so some day I want to teach more private students at home. Your website inspired me to try having one also – with the help of my brother, this happened quickly. School started here one month ago and I cannot believe that I already found seven new students through my website. Thank you so much, Natalie! Please go on with your wonderful work, and please continue writing about it! Thanks a lot and best wishes, Martina

By: Valarie Liau

Valarie Liau — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:16:10 +0000

Hi, Natalie. I’m a music teacher in Malaysia. Your website really gave the motivation to give more to my students. There are so much information here that I think I will take more than a month to read all. Currently I have 30 students. I’m still finding out the ways to organize a recital.

By: natalie

natalie — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:44:30 +0000

Hi Marlynae!
Thanks for stopping by! The Stinky Sox game was actually created by Wendy and can be found at this link: http://sites.google.com/a/wendyspianostudio.com/wendys-piano-studio/store
They are a lot of fun!

By: Marlynae

Marlynae — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 07:14:05 +0000

Natalie,
I love your website. Found it when looking on internet for fun group games for music students. I was trying to find out what Stinky Sox cards are. But ended up spending a ton of time and reading all your ideas. They are great. You have been a tremendous amount of help But I never did find the stinky sox cards. Can you let me know where to find them. Thanks

By: Laurie

Laurie — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:17:00 +0000

Your blog is fantastic!! So much helpful information, and so easy to access. This definitely helps me keep my energy and excitment up for teaching. My students enjoy the new ideas and games I’ve introduced. Thank you for all your time spent on this blog! Please, keep up the great work!