There are a couple of things that really help me achieve noticeable progress at the piano: getting to the piano consistently for ten minutes a day and keeping a practice journal.
Ten minutes is not a lot of time, but…
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The Best Pedal Extender
One of the best investments I have ever made for my piano studio has been my pedal extender.
If you are not familiar with what that is, it is a wooden box with springs that connect your piano's pedals…
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Recital Program Themes
Do you need a theme for your next recital? Or maybe you just want to mix things up a bit…beyond the usual chronological or leveled order? Try some of these ideas:
- Melodic Exposition. Choose pieces with a strong or memorable…
What Key is it in?
How do you figure out what key you are playing (or singing) in?
Often a piece will begin or end on the tonic, or the “home” note of a scale. A scale is an arrangement of pitches, or notes, that…
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Fun with Rhythm Playing Cards
Are you a card player? I grew up in a family that loved playing cards. In fact, we have a family version of Gin Rummy that we call “Dummy Rummy” and we play it so often that my kids find…
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Troubled Water
I am preparing Margaret Bonds' "Troubled Water" for performance at the Katherine L. White Invitational, and in doing so I have been reflecting on the words of the spiritual she quotes in the work:
Wade in the water,
Wade in…
Score Prep for Choral Accompanists: Lift Every Voice and Sing
How do you prepare your music for a choir rehearsal? Do you prepare, or do you just show up and hope everything works out okay? Rather than flying by the seat of your pants, there are things you can do…
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Note Reading Games
After you have introduced note names, it is time to practice! Flashcards are a good start, but how about a new game with a SURPRISE element?
Staff Explosion is a brand new game that helps you teach and review note…
Read morePiano Lesson Planning
How many times do you finish teaching lessons, only to sit down to plan for next week – and you have forgotten what each student is working on?! I am always looking for ways to work smarter, not harder. Being…
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