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...
Online Piano Lesson Games & Activities – Part 1
Tried & true ideas for your next online piano lesson. Read about games and activities to make your lessons more fun!
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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,...