Ten students gathered at the studio last Thursday night for our second group class of the semester. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it seemed like the perfect theme for this event. We began by discussing how Thanksgiving (defined as “giving thanks”) and music are linked. I read Psalm 137 as a perfect example of how the […]
Worksheets
A Different Approach to Sight-Reading
One of my objectives this summer in my piano camp for elementary students was to build better reading skills. In addition to other activities, I decided to try this different approach to note identification and intervallic playing. I emphasized using Cs as landmark notes and then playing intervals from those landmarks. (This is not geared […]
Group Class Ice Breaker Game
Here’s a fun “get-to-know-you” game I’ve used at numerous group classes. I just change the statements in the boxes based on the makeup of the group. In each box is a statement with a line below it. When the signal is given, the students must find others who can sign their name in a box, […]
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 […]
