by Spring | Jul 13, 2017 | 4 D's, Discover, Featured
While the Cliburn is fresh in our minds, I thought I’d share some resources to learn more about the man who inspired the competition. Van Cliburn shocked the world by winning the inaugural International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow in 1958. In the... 
by Spring | Jun 26, 2017 | 4 D's, Discover, Featured
I’m trying something new with most of my students this summer – ditching the lesson book! We will return to lesson books in the fall, but I decided a lot of my students could benefit from a break. I think method books are great for elementary students,... 
by Whitney | May 15, 2017 | 4 D's, Develop, Discover, Featured
After just over twelve years of teaching piano, I still love it. When that amazing adult student performs that piece she’s wanted to play for years. When that six year old races in to tell you about how she learned the entire piece in one week, even though it was her... 
by Spring | May 8, 2017 | 4 D's, Discover
Have you heard about the MTNA eFestival? This new initiative by MTNA launches May 15, thats next Monday! The eFestival uses the idea of a traditional piano festival, where students perform for a judge and receive feedback, but makes it accessible for students... 
by Whitney | Apr 10, 2017 | 4 D's, Discover
After years of seeing this book on pedagogy library shelves, I finally had a parent hand me their personal copy to read. (She knew that I had young children and have been interested in starting them on violin with her favorite nearby Suzuki teacher.) Turns out, there... 
by Whitney | Feb 10, 2017 | 4 D's, Composition, Discover, Featured, Resources, Sheet Music
Today I am sharing an awesome improv idea for you to use at your next lesson. This activity reinforces question and answer phrases in an easy, fun way for students. I like to start lessons with improv to loosen students up and get them making music right away. First,...