I wrote to Anne Crosby this weekend asking if she might be interested in creating some of the ladybug cards using the terms “half step” and “whole step” instead of “semi-tone” and “whole tone.” I know many of the American
Preparing for Fall: Still more games! Read More »
When a teaching colleague asked me if I had any worksheets that were specific to triple time, I realized to my dismay that I did not! I know that when we first introduce triple time, it is easy for students
New Rhythm Worksheets: Triple Time Read More »
For quite some time, I have been hearing about how useful that Staples Easy Button has been in teacher’s studios. Unfortunately, we do not have a Staples in my hometown, so I didn’t give it much thought until the Easy
Preparing for Fall: The Easy Button Read More »
Wow, I have just discovered another incredible website with fantastic new games! I remember Anne Crosby’s name from her book In My Dreams which I used with a student ever so long ago. Her compositions were delightfully fresh and appealing
Fantastic New Games Read More »
One of the things that I will be using this fall is a new set of stickers from Hal Leonard. I love these stickers because they are all music related and are inexpensive compared to the music stickers you might
Preparing for Fall: New Music Stickers Read More »
Teachers frequently ask me about books and resources to teach composition. And summer is great time to do this since it’s more laid back and students have more margin in which to be creative. But you don’t need anything fancy
Cartoon Motive Contest: It’s a hit! Read More »
(NOTE: This contest for my students has expired, so I don’t really need any votes any more. However, I’m leaving this post up to help other teachers see how to do a Cartoon Motive Contest themselves.) Teachers, I need your
Cartoon Motive Contest: We Need Your Vote! Read More »
I think interesting rhythms are a great “hook” that composers can use in their music. Hemiola just happens to be one of my favorite rhythmic tools. Several of my students have been studying rhythmic dictation in 6/8 timing and we have been
Hemiola Rhythm Drill Added Read More »
I have a student who has a bit of trouble tracking rhythms, often pausing between measures. I recently introduced eighth notes to him and we worked for a number of weeks on tapping these eighth note rhythm drills. I then developed
2-Handed Rhythm Drills Read More »
Marci Pittman, an Independent Music Teacher from California, recently informed the teachers on the Yahoo Piano Teacher forum about a great article called “Getting Your Kids to Practice.” This article contains some wonderful tips for parents to use in assisting
Getting Your Kids to Practice Read More »
Merry to Moody:
Holiday music for everyone!
Tired of the usual holiday music?This free webinar is just for you! Lots of new, original, and classic holiday, winter, and seasonal music will wow your students onto the bench! And you'll love the new audience participation piece as well!
