Does anyone else here have a tabs problem? You know, where you have 400 tabs open at once because there’s so much great information out there and so many resources to check into that you don’t want to forget about any of it? I know I can’t be the only one! Well, instead of keeping all this treasure to myself, I thought I’d share with you some of what I’ve come across in the last month or so as I anticipate and plan for another year of piano teaching.
Piano Notion – 
A free downloadable 113-page “complete guide to piano playing.” The subtitle might be a bit over the top, but what a handy reference for key signatures, scales, arpeggios in each inversion, and chords on the keyboard and staff. This is a great go-to if you just want to print a page or two for a student as they work on a particular scale, or you send the link directly to your students and let them download it and reference it on their own. However you choose to use it, this is a generous free resource from Bobby Cyr that will be useful for any pianist.
Musicards.net – “An ever-growing collection of highly-customizable online music theory flash cards.” This simple and intuitive site enables you to select parameters and display a set of flashcards to drill note names, key signatures, intervals, triads, and more. For example, I love that I can click on the Interval category and then select just the mi3 and Ma3 options, then drill the student either with flashcards of notes on the staff or with flashcards that give a description with a starting note and then have the student name the note up or down the corresponding interval. So versatile and easy to use!
Piano Music in Collections Database – 
An extensive database of piano music compiled by Bobbie Rastall that you can search for using parameters like: title, composer, time period, level, book title, CD, publisher, or publisher number. For example, want to find a piece about an elephant? Just type “elephant” in the title search and see what turns up. I’m not sure how many books are included in the database, but just do a search with “sonatina” in the title and that will give you some idea of just how extensive this resource is – truly a labor of love that is of great benefit to all of us piano teachers!
Open Broadcaster Software – Mario Ajero mentioned this in his recent Tech Connect column in the American Music Teacher magazine from MTNA, so I pulled it up to give it a look. He used it in conjunction with Facebook to host a pre-recorded then presented “live” studio recital. A fascinating possibility in this world of increasingly virtual events!
Scale and Chord Book 3 by Randall Faber – 
The latest addition to the scale and chord books available from the Fabers. I love that the book incorporates principles for musicality as the students progress in their technical facility. There are also a dozen accompanying instructional videos by Randall Faber for you and/or the student to watch as they work through this book.
Better Practice App – Touted as “an easy to use lesson manager and practice tool,” I’m so curious to delve more into this app. It seems to have some excellent features and capabilities (although at the moment their login form is error-ing out and refusing to let me sign in…), including an extensive database of materials that can quickly and easily be assigned to students. One of the perks of living in this digital age is the ability to remain connected with students throughout the week, giving them the freedom to send quick questions and enabling us teachers the ability to offer ongoing encouragement and praise for their accomplishments. I’m looking forward to exploring this app more (once I can login!) and determining if it would be a beneficial addition to our studio. If any of you have used it, I would love to know what you think!
Hubble Space Telescope – So, it’s not exactly related to piano lessons, but it is very relevant to the practice incentive theme I’m working on for this year… If you want some eye candy, check out the incredible photos captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. They are truly mind-blowing. I’m in awe of the beauty that God has created and am reminded of the exultation of this psalm:
“Oh LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.” ~Psalm 8:1
Even as we face the challenges and uncertainties in this world, it’s reassuring to know that there is a God who is real and who is holding together our entire universe. He is a lasting source of peace that we can turn to at any time. May each of you find and experience that peace in your life and in your studio as you anticipate and prepare for the year ahead!
Please note: Some links above are affiliate links that enable us to receive a small commission from purchases made through them. We only recommend those that we find valuable for teaching and studio use. We are so grateful for the support of teachers and musicians who use our affiliate links to help offset the costs of running Music Matters Blog and providing free resources for music teachers!
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