For quite a few years now I’ve been taking off teaching for the month of August to give myself time to travel, come up with a practice incentive theme for the next year, catch up on other projects, do lesson planning, and hopefully feel put together by the time my students return for another year […]
Personal
Special Book Price for Music Matters Blog Readers
One of the things I discovered (quite to my surprise!) when I connected with people at the MTNA Conference this year is that many of the readers of this blog had formed certain ideas about who I am that are not quite in line with reality. 😉 For example, I found out that quite a […]
Investing in Students
Years ago I heard someone make a distinction by stating, “I don’t teach piano; I teach students to play the piano.” This has stuck with me ever since I heard it, and guides my perspective from week to week as I work with my students. One of the reasons I love teaching so much is […]
Piano Buyer Guide Online
One of my goals this year is to purchase a piano to replace the current acoustic piano in my studio. The current piano is a low-end instrument that is 30+ years old. Some of the repair work it needs now would cost significantly more than it’s worth, so I finally decided I better get serious […]
10 Ways to Improve Your Musicianship in 2010
I know we’re a ways past the first of the year now, but I’m still contemplating goals I want to work toward and improvements I want to make – personally and professionally. Chris Foley has a fabulous article on “10 Ways to Improve Your Musicianship in 2010.” Check out this great statement: “Single-mindedness and dedication […]
Re-igniting Enthusiasm – Congregate with Colleagues
Okay, I think I’ve saved the best for the last! You must, must, must find a way to get together with other teachers on a somewhat regular basis. Virtually is good, but in person is the best! I am a member of several local music teachers associations, plus our state association, and Music Teachers National […]
