In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Sue Shellenbarger wrote about what makes kids creative. In the article, “A Box? Or a Spaceship? What Makes Kids Creative?” Shellenbarger gives excellent suggestions for parents on helping their children think creatively, make […]
I am preparing to give a few workshops about motivating students to play more musically. My thesis has been that learning to listen and love a wide range of musical and non-musical sounds is one of the secrets to producing
Listening: The secret of great music performance Read More »
If you belong to any of the online piano teacher forums, you will know what I mean when I say that I have benefited from so many wonderful ideas that have been shared in this venue. What’s been interesting to
Anyone interested in creativity and imagination will find some very useful posts on the blog of Derek Sivers. Derek is a musician and was the founder of CDBaby which became the largest seller of independent music on the web. Since
Creativity and White Walls Read More »
Since we’re on the theme of Christmas activities this week, I thought I’d share about a way to help your students with sight-singing and melodic dictation. Last week, I used these cards as a waiting room activity for my older
More Christmas Games Read More »
Recently, a reader asked me how I use my snowman flashcards (Download them FREE below). So, I thought I’d re-post an article I wrote last year about how I use them: Since winter is just around the corner and in
Free Snowman Flashcards Read More »
Natalie from Music Matters Blog has written a review, or rather played a review of my American Portraits books. Visit her blog if you’d like to hear a few clips of her performance of these pieces. In addition, Hal Leonard
Review and Giveaway of American Portraits Read More »
I wanted to tell you about a Christmas new release of my friend and frequent guest writer Kevin Costley. It seems to have been released a bit later than many Christmas books, but I know you’ll want to check it
New Christmas Release from Kevin Costley Read More »
Since the topic this week is encouraging creativity in our students at Christmas time, I thought I’d re-post the “Theme and Variations” challenge that we completed in my studio last year. It was great fun and there is still time
Creativity at Christmas Time: Jingle Bell Variations Read More »
Thank you to all you students who submitted artwork for the 2010 Christmas Cover Art Contest. This year we chose to have an animal theme, so each picture was to incorporate animals into a Christmas idea. Since there was only
2010 Christmas Cover Art Contest Read More »
Perk Up Practice!
Autumn & Halloween Music
Grab your pumpkin spice latte and listen to composers talk about how to teach their newest autumn & Halloween music! Join hundreds of creative teachers for an uplifting time of encouragement & learning! New MACs released at this webinar!
