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Welcome!
Hi! It's great to have you here in my virtual home. I love inviting other teachers and students to join me in my studio, so I hope you'll feel at home here as well. Teaching piano has been one of the most formative experiences of my life and has led me down many paths to learn about business, technology, communication, childhood development, and more. Much of that makes its way onto the blog, so check out the areas below for oodles of ideas and resources! It's my hope that your visit here will ignite a greater love for teaching and inspire a new creativity as you invest in the lives of your students each day.
I love hearing from readers, so feel free to drop me an email anytime with your comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions for posts or materials you'd like to see here on Music Matters Blog.
The Latest
- Rote Solos Galore for Piano Students!A piano teacher can never have too many repertoire recommendations, right?! In my ongoing quest for just the right music for each student to accompany our… Read more: Rote Solos Galore for Piano Students!
- Chrissy Ricker’s Free Piano Stuff PageIn brainstorming and preparing and gathering piano music for this year’s practice incentive theme, I’ve unearthed some amazing resources that I’d never come across before. One… Read more: Chrissy Ricker’s Free Piano Stuff Page
- Resources for Piano Students to Play in Every KeyI’ve been doing a ton of repertoire brainstorming and searching over the summer to find engaging music written in every key (which may or may not… Read more: Resources for Piano Students to Play in Every Key
- Using Musical Wheels to Make Music Theory and Ear Training More Engaging – A Guest Post by Spin the WheelIt usually happens in the last ten minutes of a music lesson. You’ve just finished a rhythm exercise that took careful explanation, a bit of clapping,… Read more: Using Musical Wheels to Make Music Theory and Ear Training More Engaging – A Guest Post by Spin the Wheel
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Testimonials
I’ve done several programs. Vanishing Voices was a favorite that we have done twice. The Puzzlemaker was a HUGE hit this year – especially the pizza party. There were 20 out of my 30 students here. Great fun! I will have a hard time topping that one this coming year. They love to see tangible rewards! The new Cracking the Crystal Code looks like another good one. Thank you so much for making my job more fun and helping to keep students engaged.
Carnival of the Animals is a fantastic curriculum. Thank you so much for writing it!
Kristy A.
My students love your programs. Thx for all the time and effort you put in to each program.
Ellen O.
I just purchased your Go For the Gold! package and we are implementing it this fall! These packages are a GREAT deal, you get all of the ideas, templates and books for 1 low price.
It hit me in the spring that we spend SO much time preparing for the 30-60 minutes in-lesson, but 168 hours at home are not addressed with the same excitement. Our studio will have Teams, we will have a team flag, team colors, team mascot and team anthem (written by one of our students). So excited, and THANK YOU Natalie for these products!
Kelly K.
Vanishing Voices was so worthwhile to acquaint them with composers and collect those travel miles. It’s so great when a student comes to the lesson and talks about their accomplishments and goals, even without me asking. I’m so appreciative of you sharing these resources!
Sylvia C.
I am a fan of these studio incentives! We have loved “Vanishing Voices” this year. Looking forward to doing another one.
Cheryl R.
My students really loved An Italian Intrigue this year, so I’m sure they would like the Beat the Pirates! theme too!
Julia T.
I purchased your Beat the Pirates! today and I already love it and think it will be a big hit in my studio!! Thanks for all your hard work and for sharing the fun with us!!
Julia A.
I want to especially thank you for providing the incentive programs for me. Your creativity in developing these materials is astounding! They are way underpriced!
Sylvia C.
My students are using the “Beat the Pirates” theme this year, and they are having a lot of fun with this theme. It even inspired us to plan a pirate-themed recital for spring. =)
Kori B.
I recently purchased the Pre-Piano Camp to use with 2 of my children (we have a week- or 2-week-long theme during the summer with a 1 hour daily learning time based on that theme). I just want to let you know that they ~love~ your camp so far! Thank you for this great, easy-to-use resource!
C.S.
Your practice incentive Climbing the Ladder to Success was a huge success this year. The kids love them. Thank you for sharing such wonderful work with us. It’s really a blessing to me and to everyone you reach out to. I am looking to purchase and plan my next incentive for this year.
K.S.
Music Community Friends
Joy Morin: Color in My Piano
- The Story of My New-to-Me Shigeru Kawaion August 7, 2026
As you might recall, a few weeks ago I sold my grand piano with the plan to upgrade to something […]
- Freebie: Lesson Attendance Sheet Updated for 2026-27on August 3, 2026
I’ve just finished updating one of the studio business forms from my Printables page for the […]
- 2026 Summer Camp: Music History Blast from the Paston July 9, 2026
Last week, I offered a summer music camp for my piano students. Despite how much I love running […]
Amy Chaplin: Piano Pantry
- Organize Your Digital Life Retreat 2026on August 17, 2026
The 7th Organize Your Digital Life RETREAT is in the books! Every summer, I host a small group of […]
- Recital Theme Voting Ballot [Canva Template]on August 17, 2026
Get a free customizable Canva template for a piano recital theme voting ballot. Let your music […]
- Simple Open-Face Tomato Sandwich (Mayo Free)on August 8, 2026
Skip the mayo! This simple open-face tomato sandwich features rich butter, fresh summer heirloom […]
Teach Piano Today: Blog
- You And Your Intermediate Students Need to Hear Thison August 17, 2026
Take your favorite glitter pen and draw a big ol’ circle around August 25th. While you’re at […]
- This Intermediate Piece Has Swagger… And It’s Not Aloneon August 12, 2026
We’re working on something and it’s gonna be good 🙂 I know this because the sun is shining, […]
- 3 Primer Pieces Inspired by Silly Summer Memorieson August 3, 2026
Summer has a very sneaky ending. One minute, everyone is eating popsicles and forgetting what day […]
Jennifer Foxx: Music Educator Resources
- Level Up Piano Practice
What if piano practice could feel less like a chore and more like a game? Gamification can turn […]
- Chasing Winter Blues Away with Fun Music Activities
Winter can feel long, cold, and a little heavy for both teachers and students. When motivation dips […]
- Susan Staples Bell Music Review
Susan Staples Bell is a self-published composer who has made a remarkable splash in the music […]

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