This week, the Piano Explorer announced the winners of the 2009 Composition Contest. I’m thrilled to report that my student, Jana Heady won 1st place in the younger division and Nicole Jack won an Honorable Mention in the older division! […]
Composition Winners Read More »
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 »
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 »
I often wonder if we condition children to like and be attracted to lyrics that rhyme and have a predictable syntax. Certainly there is something to be said for the rhythm of words and children’s attraction to such (Dr. Seuss,
Square Pedagogical Music Read More »
Ignite the Spark!
August kick-off webinar
Join hundreds of teachers at this energizing webinar where we unveil new Fuzzies, Color, Beautiful Wonders, Adventure, & video game music! Plus stickers, new catalog, organization & teaching ideas!
