TED Talk Tuesday – The Transformative Power of Classical Music
Today we're bringing you a TED talk by Benjamin Zander. This is a great TED talk to share with students and their parents or really with anyone who wonders whether classical music is still relevant. It's also a great encouragement for us piano teachers at a tough...
TED Talk Tuesday – Body Language and Confidence
A few weeks ago I posted a TED talk about grit and shared how I think piano lessons do a great job at developing grit and therefore preparing students for success in life. The TED talk I'm sharing today is about body language and how our posture can actually affect...
Composition Technology 101 – Part 3
Part 3 - Notation Software Today we are delving into my favorite notation softwares. There are so many options available so before picking one, look around! Then you'll be sure to find what's best for your studio. *Finale - The free version is Notepad 2012. Free...
Energize Your Rhythm Drills
I recently found a new app that I have loved using in my lessons, it's called Super Metronome Groovebox, available as a "lite" version for free or $3.99 for the "pro" version. The app creates rhythms patterns and allows you to change the meter and tempo. It is...
Piano Lessons and Grit
If you don't already watch or listen to TED Talks, you really should check them out. TED talks are short talks (usually less than 20 minutes) focused on spreading new ideas. These talks are always engaging and interesting, but a particular talk caught my attention...
Discover a New Product That Can Save You Time and Money
I stopped in the Container Store this past weekend to pick up some reusable pouches for storing my flashcards in and found this wonderful product - Reusable Dry Erase Pockets. If you have not hopped on the iPad train, then these can be a great time and money saver...
Composing a Canon
Today, I'm sharing a fun worksheet to help your student compose their own canon. Now if you're thinking, "A Canon? That's a bit tricky..." then just stop and look at this easy sheet. I've included the steps on the worksheet which is splits the activity into two pages...
Composition Technology 101 – Part 2, Resources
My Favorite Composition Resources (Not in any specific order, I love all of these!) Print Resources: Piano Teacher's Guide to Creative Composition, by Carol Klose? Creative Composition Toolbox series (Levels 1 to 5), by Wynn-Anne Rossi Pattern Play series by Forest...
“Tell Tale” Composition Game
As I've been looking for composition games and resources, I came up with an idea for a new game for my studio. We usually compose with a theme (winter, cowboys/cowgirls,...) or a concept (use thirds, certain rhythms,...) when assigning a weekly "You the Composer"...
Piano Accents: Africa – Review and Giveaway
I'm excited to share with you about Piano Accents: Africa, a book that has recently come to my attention thanks to Neeki Bey, the arranger of the book. I've been interested in multi-cultural piano music, especially piano music with an African influence for several...
Teaching the Circle of Fifths
With the Texas Music Teachers Association theory tests just around the corner, my piano students are kicking theory into high gear this month. One of the most confusing concepts for my students is how the Circle of 5ths works. Personally, I remember not quite...
Black Key Improv
Merry Christmas from all of us at 4dpianoteaching! We've enjoyed our first year blogging and sharing our ideas. For Christmas, we have been working on something very special for our readers. And today it is finally ready for you! So without further ado, let me...