Getting to the holiday season is like a special “cherry on top” for us piano teachers: a time of year when joy reigns in the studio, when everyone’s favorite pieces are happily learned, and when music-sharing is the norm!
But if you’re like me, sometimes we get stuck in a rut when we go to listen to holiday music. So this year, our Idea Share #15 at the Fantastically Festive Favorites webinar was filled with teachers sharing the names of their favorite holiday and Christmas albums with each other! Wendy also unveiled exciting new releases that she composed, and a jazzy new favorite “The First Noel” arrangement from Jeremy Siskind.
Just in case you missed the webinar, we launched new merry and bright new pieces at all levels, including a winter-themed piece, Thanksgiving music, new jazz music, AND a new Rote and Reading® piece. Read about all the new releases here!
Idea Share #15: What is your favorite holiday or Christmas music album?
Teachers shared their favorite tunes for the festive season. Here were some of my favorites:
- Kelli: Christmas songs by Mel Torme and Charlie Brown Christmas Vince Guaraldi Trio – I have Peanuts stuff all over my studio! Huge fan!
- Wendy: Jeremy Lister’s “Happy Holidays, Everyone”
- Debbie: It’s local…but Benny Grunch and the Bunch. Great Cajun music and New Orleans music.
- Angela: Roger Whitaker Christmas album was always a favorite of mine growing up. Also love the muppets singing Christmas carols! 😂
- Robin: Yes, I love playing Wendy’s All is Calm, All is Bright album. LOVE it! (Here it is on Apple Music; Here it is on Spotify!)
- Sandra: Garrison Keillor Christmas
You can get ALL the ideas teachers shared here:
What’s a Piano Teaching Idea Share?
If this is your first time reading about our Idea Shares, here’s an overview:
During the webinar, we ask teachers to answer a question that we think would benefit all piano teachers. After receiving answers from both webinar sessions, we compile them all into a free downloadable PDF so that you have access to ideas from the entire ComposeCreate piano teaching community!
Idea Shares 1-14 can be found here:
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #1- Encouraging books, creative ideas, injecting energy, online games
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #2 – How teachers are lightening their load
- Rhythm Idea Share #3 – Teaching rhythm
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #4 – Gadgets and gizmos, lifesaving ideas, marketing ideas
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #5 – Taking care of yourself and Energizing Ideas
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #6 – What are you excited about and Best Marketing Tips
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #7 – Student holiday gift suggestions and Making the holidays less stressful
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #8 – What new things are you doing and Adding a Composer of the Month to your studio
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #9 – How does surprise enhance students’ learning?
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #10 – How would you introduce this piece to students?
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #11 – How can we make holiday recitals easier?
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #12 – 2024 Excitement and How do you connect music and art?
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #13 – Favorite Office Supplies for Teaching
- Piano Teaching Idea Share #14 – What is working well in your studio?
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