Summer is just around the corner and with it the opportunity to switch gears and host some fun alternatives to traditional lessons. One of my favorite summer activities over the years has been putting on piano camps. We typically do a one-week camp, with students meeting every day of the week for several hours. By […]
Teaching
Teaching Composition to Students
Or this post could be titled, “Reason #47 Why I Love Piano Safari!” 🙂 When Alyssa first began piano lessons last fall we tried some simple improvisation activities, but she was reluctant to play anything without knowing that it was the “right” notes. As we’ve worked through my all-time favorite piano method – Piano Safari […]
Using Key Signature Flashcards to Make a Circle of Fifths
This may be a no-brainer, but for some reason it just occurred to me this week that key signature flashcards (I love this set of Student Flashcards from TCW Resources!) would provide a great hands-on opportunity to create and understand the Circle of 5ths! Mercy has been working hard on memorizing all of her key […]
The Best Way to Motivate Students
My husband shared this quote with me the other day and I thought it was very relevant to teaching students and learning to play an instrument: “Action never follows motivation…It’s the other way around. When you act, motivation inevitably follows.” I’ve seen over and over again that when students (or I!) make practicing a discipline […]
The Perfect Assignment Sheet for Piano Students
Somehow I just came across this fabulous compilation of free downloadable assignment sheets that Amy Chaplin, of the Piano Pantry blog, has either created or adapted! Even though I always create custom assignment books that correlate with our practice incentive theme for the year, I absolutely love the variety of ideas that Amy incorporates into […]
Review and Giveaway of the Flexi Symphony Clip
Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a far cry from a fashionista. My hairstyle and accessory choices are driven by whatever takes me the least time in the morning (because there are so many things I would rather do than spend time fixing my hair!). So when Jackie Adams, a Lilla Rose […]
