Some students have an intense desire to compose, but just don’t know where to start. For these students, it is helpful to have a subject or topic for composing. Every year the Piano Explorer has a composition contest and […]
Getting a Student Started Composing Read More »
The subject of teaching composition to children strikes fear in the heart of many independent music teachers. I think this is often because the IMT feels that they just don’t have the tools needed for such a task. It is
Teaching Composition to Children…some beginning thoughts Read More »
Why should I teach my students to compose? Children are naturally creative. It’s one of the things that distinguishes us from other living species. The self-esteem and confidence of children thrive when they create something they know is a
Why Teach Composition to Children Read More »
Hal Leonard has just launched the First Choice New Release Club for piano teachers. I like several aspects of this club: 1. It features music that the piano teacher is interested in: Hal Leonard Student Piano Library, Composer Showcase Collections, Phillip Keveren
First Choice New Release Club Read More »
Laura Lowe has some great posts about what she learned at the 2009 MTNA convention on her Lowe Piano Studio Blog. I wish I had been there, but I love her summaries and have picked up a few new ideas
2009 MTNA Convention Blogging Read More »
ChangeThis.com has a few great manifestos on creativity and how to generate good ideas. 14 Ways to Get Breakthrough Ideas is a particularly helpful manifesto for the composer. Some of Mitch Ditkoff’s ideas are more applicable to the musician
14 Ways to Get Breakthrough Ideas Read More »
If you do a lot of arranging, you may be interested to know about the International Music Score Library Music Portal (IMSLP). IMSLP contains PDF files of scores that are in the public domain. Many composers of a number of
Public Domain Classical Scores Read More »
The spring Hal Leonard Piano Teacher Catalog is out and offers 40% off up to 4 copies per title! This catalog also comes with a CD which will make it easier to select music for specific students and specific needs.
Hal Leonard 40% off Read More »
Hal Leonard has published my first pedagogical piece entitled Twister. It is a level 3 (late elementary) Hal Leonard Showcase Solo and can be found on page 15 of the 2009 Spring Catalogue (picture is on page 14). Here is
Twister (Late Elementary) Read More »
Few books have influenced my creativity and productivity more than Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit. There is so much to glean from this book that you may weary of me referencing it. However, I have accomplished more than I thought
The Creative Habit Read More »
How to Revolutionize Rhythm in Your Studio
Learn how this rhythm curriculum gets rhythm IN students' bodies so it comes OUT in ALL their music! See why "It’s the best resource out there for teaching rhythms" and get your students "exponentially improving!"
