Many of us stumbled our way through learning to read music as students, and don’t necessarily want to teach the way we were taught. But what’s the most effective method of teaching music reading to kids? Through years of experience, I’ve come to see teaching music reading to children as falling into 4 basic stages…
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VMT107: Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Fun
Being a fun music teaching studio means a lot more than just having a smile on your face or playing games every once in a while. It can also mean your students learn faster and more thoroughly. Find out how in this episode. Relevant Resources Gamifying Music Instruction Part 1: Why “FUN” is Not a…
Best Piano Method Books for Beginners
Some teachers don’t think that they need to use piano method books for beginners. However, a good method book can provide much more than just repertoire. A method book gives you a useful structure and, even if you break away or mix up the order, it provides you with some security that you are covering…
VMT106: Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Cool
Would your students describe you as “cool”? In this episode, we’re diving into what it means to be a cool teacher and why your relationships with your students are so important to their progress. Relevant Resources VMT92: Strictness vs. Authority VMT96: How to Show You’re on Their Side VMT101: Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Deliberate…
Tailoring Piano Lesson Plans for Individual Students
I’m pleased to share with you Dana McCabe’s approach to lesson planning based on piano student learning styles and musical interests. Dana is a piano teacher in Beaverton, Oregon, USA. She spent 20 years teaching elementary music and early childhood in the classrooms of Central Minnesota before moving west and opening her piano studio. Dana…
VMT105: Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Professional
Being perceived as a professional is an important part of having the respect and attention of your students and their parents. In this episode, find out about the three foundational factors that can make your business more professional. Relevant Resources VMT101: Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Deliberate VMT102: Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Consistent VMT103:…
Level-Up Your Piano Lesson Plans With This Template
Whether you’re new to the planning process or just need a fresh approach, starting with a piano lesson plan template can be a big help. A great planning structure can allow you to see things from a new perspective and better understand your students’ learning journeys. This planning template for music lessons takes just one…
VMT104: Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Welcoming
Have you thought about the experience of a new student and their parents in your studio? Do you think they would feel welcomed and validated in their decision to join right from the get-go? We’ll explore strategies to make sure they do in this episode. Relevant Resources 5 Stages of Piano Parent Onboarding VMT018: 3…
My Weekly Piano Lesson Planning Process
I believe in being prepared as a teacher. I think it’s important that we take our role as the guide of our student’s musical journey seriously, and that involves piano lesson planning. When it comes to planning, you’re probably in one of two camps right now: You don’t really plan at all at (and you’re…
VMT103: Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Profitable
Relevant Resources Payment Policies for Piano Teachers: Which one is right for YOU? How to Create a Music Teaching Studio Budget VMT098: Prevent Summer Stress with a Studio Budget How to Make Any Change in a Piano Teaching Business VMT101: Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Deliberate VMT102: Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Consistent Download the…