Name that Christmas Tune I’m always looking for a good way to help my students do well on melodic dictation. At our most recent group lesson, I used these Christmas Pieces Flashcards for a “Challenge!” game. How to play “Name that […]
Name that Christmas Tune Read More »
Bradley Sowash, an excellent jazz musician and educator, was one of the composers that corresponded with me this summer about teaching composition to kids. Bradley shared with me that he thought specific assignments with specific parameters were helpful in working
Composition Idea from Bradley Sowash Read More »
When I interviewed many prominent pedagogical composers on teaching composition to children, several of them had some wonderful things to say. I thought I’d share one of the quotes from our correspondence: I feel strongly that piano teachers should encourage their
Carol Klose on Students Composing Read More »
In the Composition for Kids lecture, I mentioned having a “Theme and Variations Challenge” to encourage students to compose. In my studio, we are currently having a “Theme and Variations Challenge” to the Christmas tune, Jingle Bells. Last week in our group
Theme and Variations Challenge Read More »
Since winter is just around the corner and in many places already here, I thought I’d point out some seasonal flashcards on the ComposeCreate® website. I use these types of activities while my students are waiting on siblings or during
Snowmen Flashcards Read More »
Piano Technicians Guild The Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) is dedicated to providing continuing education for piano technicians. Their commitment to continuing education also includes the credentialed professional piano teaching community. To that end, the PTG is pleased to announce the
Piano Teacher Scholarship Opportunities Read More »
Introducing Sharps and Flats I had a few students who were I needed to think about introducing sharps and flats to this week. I’ve noticed that some of my students get confused with which is which, so I inquired on the
Introducing Sharps, Flats, and Naturals Read More »
Best Blogs for Piano Teachers Updated 4/19 Ever wondered what the best blogs for piano teachers were? Well, there are many new blogs out there for piano teachers that are good, but a few are excellent. I categorize blogs as excellent when
Best Blogs for Piano Teachers Read More »
For the past few months, I have been using some different strategies to help my students play more musically. The Caught Ya Makin’ Music Cards have worked wonders for many of my students, young and old! In addition to these
Playing Musically–Using YouTube Read More »
Here is part 2 of the interview with Kevin Costley. Take a moment to read Part 1 if you missed it. Kevin’s first experiences as a composer: 6. How did you practice the art of composing when you were first learning? What kind
Interview with Kevin Costley, Part 2 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!"
