Rarely have I been so excited for a new music book to be released, but my students and I have been eagerly anticipating the completion of Piano Safari Level 3 for quite a while now! This piano method has completely transformed the way I teach piano, and I can’t imagine what I did before it […]
Teaching
Using Composition and Notation to Teach Music Theory
As I took piano lessons for years growing up, I always dutifully completed the obligatory theory lesson that correlated with the repertoire pages for the week (even if I was scrambling right before the lesson to get it done!). However, after 10 years of lessons I still had no idea how to identify what key […]
Music Note Memory Game
For this year’s Jungle Expedition studio practice incentive theme, one of the huts students can travel to is the “Game Hut.” Stephanie used her last 30 tickets to go to that hut and had fun looking through the 5 For Fun! Games and Activities for the Private Piano Lesson to make her choice. She opted […]
Free Piano Scale Discovery Worksheet
It’s amazing how much more fun it is to learn about chords and scales on the piano when you’re using a magnetic board, some cool thumbtack-looking magnets, a set of scale blocks, and a piano scale worksheet! After learning how to count the half steps to construct major chords, I called out the name of […]
Teaching Students to Practice Their Instrument More Effectively
In his always-informative newsletter, Gerald Klickstein, author of The Musician’s Way, linked back to his post on Beautiful Repetition. I love his four points: Insist on Excellence Reject Mindless Repetition Aim for Growth Rather than Sameness Evaluate Continuously Visit his post for an elaboration and specific ideas for each point!
A Great Tool for Helping Piano Students Improve Sight Reading and Rhythm Skills
One of my favorite resources to help students develop their rhythm and sight reading skills is the Rhythm and Sight Reading cards from Piano Safari. These are great to use as a supplement even if you don’t use the method books. Levi agreed to demonstrate how we utilize these cards: After tapping the rhythm pattern, […]
