MTNA Conference 2021

MTNA Conference 2021

This week of March is always one of my favorite times of the year. Usually I'm getting ready for 4 days of intense learning at the Music Teacher's National Conference! I've attended most years since I was introduced to it as an undergraduate student years ago. Each...

read more
New Duet Resource – Side by Side

New Duet Resource – Side by Side

Our students are on YouTube all the time, right?! Many times I've wished my students would spend as much time practicing as they spend on YouTube.  Anytime I can find good resources for students on YouTube I am thrilled.  The internet is plagued with lots of poorly...

read more
Preschool Rhythm Bingo

Preschool Rhythm Bingo

Have you checked out all of our bingo options? They're some of the most popular free downloads on 4dpianoteaching. So many great options to bring a little bit of fun into your next piano lesson or really any music lesson! We have rhythm bingos - here and here. Then we...

read more
Ear Training In Your Studio

Ear Training In Your Studio

Question: When was the last time you did ear training work with your students? If I'm honest, it was probably in preparation for the theory test... and before that test came up? Yikes. It's always so busy to fit in all we want to teach in 30 minutes so we've found...

read more
Review – Flashnote Derby App Update

Review – Flashnote Derby App Update

I've been using the Flashnote Derby app with my students for several years. It's such a fun way to practice note recognition and doesn't take up much lesson time. You can read more about how the app works on Susan Paradis's blog here. Recently, when I opened the app I...

read more
Exemplar Piano Bench – Review

Exemplar Piano Bench – Review

I recently got a new piano bench for my teaching studio, and I love it! I learned about Exemplar benches at the MTNA Conference last year. They had a booth set up in the exhibit hall and I immediately liked the benches. Finally, at the end of 2018 I was able to order...

read more
Tuesday Teaching Tactic #20

Tuesday Teaching Tactic #20

Woohoo! We've reached #20 in our Tuesday Teaching Tactics. These short posts are meant to just give you a quick idea or reminder about something you can incorporate right away in your teaching. We have loved sharing our favorite tricks and thoughts with you each week....

read more
Tuesday Teaching Tactic #19

Tuesday Teaching Tactic #19

Another quick Tuesday Teaching Tactic today - can't believe we're already at #19! Today's tactic is "Just Imagine..." Now to use this one, you have to start out with this phrase and then create a story or a picture with your student. For example, I'm working on a Bach...

read more
Christmas Activities Round Up

Christmas Activities Round Up

As we get closer to winter vacation and recital time, the excitement in my house is becoming palpable! That's because we're having our 3rd child join us in just a few more days! Having this deadline set for months has helped me get ahead on Christmas gifts and...

read more
Teaching Tactic #18

Teaching Tactic #18

There are many ways to introduce a new piece to a student.  Sometimes we start with the sound of the piece through a recording or demonstration.  Do you ever start by studying the score?  This week's Teaching Tactic is to go on a "Score Scavenger Hunt" with your...

read more
Utah MTA Conference

Utah MTA Conference

  At the beginning of November, I had the privilege of traveling to Utah to present for their annual state conference.It was a quick trip and I wish I could have stayed longer to enjoy the beautiful city!  The conference was held at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi,...

read more