So you need to make a change in your piano teaching business? That happens. Lives and priorities evolve, we find out about new and better ways to do things and we rethink situations. But there’s a good way to go about making a change like this and a not-so-great way. Whether your change is going to…
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CKQC026: Transposing a ‘Skip to My Lou’ duet for Halloween
You might have seen us working on this duet in quick clip no. 11. This is a fantastic way to build your students’ listening skills during their buddy time. This lesson was just before Halloween, so I decided to spice things up a bit. This simple trick of turning a major piece into a minor…
Teaching and Practising Practice Strategies with Graham Fitch
How effective is your piano practice? What about your students’ practice? Practising practice during the lesson and teaching our students how to practise is so important. Most of their progress will happen during the week, when we’re not there to correct or guide them. I’m so delighted to be bringing you this interview today with…
CKQC025: ‘Symbol Splash’ music theory game for multi-level students
The Symbol Splash game is a perennial favourite in my studio. I love it because I included 4 different levels so it works for multi-level students. In this video, you’ll also be able to hear some background music going on. I wanted to include this clip so that you could get a peak at what…
Inspiring Improvisation for Students with Special Needs with Carrie Lennard
I’ve said before that improvisation can be a tool in our lessons. It doesn’t have to be something that takes away time – it can be an element that enhances what we need to get done. And that’s especially true when it comes to teaching students with special needs. Carrie Lennard has created something truly exceptional…
CKQC024: Major chord practice with the iReal Pro app
Several of my students have been focussing on chord work this semester and iReal Pro (available on Apple and Android) has come in really handy. This app creates backing tracks in tons of different styles, based on chord charts which you can download or create for yourself. You can adjust the volume of different instruments…
Getting Curious About Professional Development with The Curious Piano Teachers
Have you attended many professional development events for piano teachers? Depending on where you are in the world, these might be common-place for you…but for many teachers, they really aren’t. Working outside of a school environment can lead to professional development being put on the back-burner. We don’t always make it a priority. We don’t…
CKQC023: Beginner piano technique with zebra taps and lion paws
The student in this video is very bright, and quick to catch on to new concepts, however she struggled in the beginning with technique. She naturally played with a lot of tension which we have been working to alleviate. The Lion Paw exercise from Piano Safari is perfect for working on this issue. It…
The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Music Game for Your Studio: Journey to Phoenix Park
It’s always fun to celebrate holidays with themed games or activities, to add that little bit of extra sparkle to your lessons. Since Paddy’s day is coming up I knew I had to create something really fun for you. There are no leprechauns in this St. Patrick’s Day music game though. (Sorry to disappoint!) What I’ve…
CKQC022: Learning piano keys with the CDE and FGAB songs from Piano Safari
Preschoolers need lots of practice with finding the piano keys if they’re going to be really successful. Older students will automatically start finding these based on patterns – but preschoolers need to be taught strategies to do this. Along with games, worksheets and other activities, I’ve started teaching all my young students these two songs from…
