Here are some cleverly written instrument riddles I came across on this website. (The website has a bunch of useable ideas related to instruments of the orchestra, but you have to sift through a pretty random layout to find specific ideas.) #1 We come as a pair, you could say that we’re twins. We’re shiny […]
Teaching
Classics for Kids
If you haven’t already done so, you have to go check out the Classics for Kids website. What an amazing resource this is! Each week, they feature a short (approximately 6 minutes) radio program about a composer or some other music subject. I have to admit, I was hesitant to even click on the program […]
The First Noel Piano Duet
You know you’re a piano teacher when you’re playing Christmas music in October! (And I even feel like I’m behind in getting ready for the recital this year!) Our annual studio Christmas recital is a favorite for students, parents, family, friends and myself! Each year I try to do something a little different. This year […]
Make a Fun Rhythm Chart!
This summer I attended a Melody Bober workshop at our local music store. It was a wonderful workshop, and among the practical ideas Melody shared was the idea for this rhythm chart. I made one on my own a couple of weeks later and have already used it numerous times in my lessons. Side one […]
How to Inspire Students to Do Better?
Here’s a funny little quip I ran across recently that made me think in terms of how I teach my students. “There is no such thing as an attention span. People have infinite attention as long as you are entertaining them!” I know several students might say I’m too entertaining on occasion… 🙂 But, in […]
Counting Rhythms with Pennies
One of my students was having difficulty understanding 16th note rhythm patterns today, so I pulled out my penny jar. I remember hearing about this idea a number of years ago and was just reminded of it the other day. Every penny represents a 16th note. Therefore, every set of four pennies represents one beat […]
