This article is for teachers who are working with students on phrase shaping for the first time. It’s a concept that can be introduced early in piano study—usually after crescendos and diminuendos are covered. The topic of phrase shaping is quite broad, so please note that this article focuses in on the first steps for
This article details a way teachers can help beginning level piano students keep their eyes on the music and avoid looking at their hands to improve music reading continuity. For beginning piano students, keeping your eyes on the music is a difficult challenge, but necessary to build note reading ability and continuity. For teachers,
This article covers basic concepts for intermediate to early advanced piano students in their first accompanying endeavor. Thoughts shared here assist in establishing the role of the pianist when accompanying and how this differs from solo playing. Piano Accompanying Is An Art As a piano teacher, I’m very excited to have several students studying
As a group of experienced music teachers who provide private lessons for beginners, we fully understand the art of motivating beginner piano students. Keeping young learners excited and consistent on the piano requires intentional strategies, positive reinforcement, and creative routines that match each child’s personality. This approach helps build habits that stick—and produce musical progress.
This article is for piano teachers looking for ways to introduce improvisation into their students’ lessons and make the experience fun and successful. This week, I was very fortunate to be able to attend a program on the “Art of Improvisation” conducted by Jeffrey Chappell—a true expert on the subject. As a piano teacher who
This article has quick tips for piano students of any level to assess their posture at the piano and establish a sitting position at the instrument that encourages good technique. Piano Posture When I think back on elements of good posture at the piano, I remember many important tips given to me by different instructors,
As teachers working with beginner music students, we know how nerve‑wracking auditions can feel. That’s why we emphasize how to prepare for your audition step by step—helping learners feel confident, organized, and ready to shine on stage. Whether you’re playing piano, guitar, drum, or any other instrument, this guide is tailored to support your musical
AAs piano teachers, we’ve seen how transformative it can be when students begin listening as intentionally as they play. While practice is vital, classical piano listening tips like exploring different recordings are often the missing piece that elevates musical growth. When a student hears multiple interpretations of a piece—slow and expressive, quick and articulate, bold
When students fixate on how long they practice (“I practiced 30 minutes!”) instead of what they achieve, it often leads to frustration or wasted time. It’s much more effective to focus on constructive piano practice every time, using purposeful repetitions rather than counting the clock. Why Constructive Repetition Beats Timed Practice Sample Practice Strategy Teachers
How to Use Recordings for Music Lesson Practice This article details how students can use simple recordings to help with their practice and performance preparation each week and the advantages of doing so! In the study of any musical instrument at any level, using recordings can be a very beneficial practice tool. The reason is
