Let’s face it – kids LOVE games! A great way to keep their attention and focus during a lesson is turning simple tasks into games. For example, I always have my students warm up their hands by playing some very basic exercises from a method book. This is a great way to warm up their
motivation
3 Ways to Prepare Students for a Recital Part 1: Set Them Up For Success
A successful and enjoyable recital experience is the goal! For me, prep starts about 6-8 weeks before the big day with piece selection. During “recital piece picking week” I obsessively analyze 2 or 3 songs for each music student. They can’t be too easy or too challenging. Most importantly, they should be fun to play
In-home Private Music Lesson – When the student teaches – accented notes
What happens when you ask a music student to teach? I know because I ask the question a lot during my private music lessons. What happens, is the student takes a breath and then has to really make sure they “know” what your asking them to teach. Eureka, a great practice for helping students understand
Priavte Music Lessons Influence Others at Home in Denver
While teaching a weekly piano lessons in my student’s home, it is amazing how many times another sibling hears what happens, and is inspired to do something about it! Music is contagious. Just think of all the commercial jingles someone could finish if you started them. The same concept happens with music taught in the
Scheduling an In-Home Private Music Lesson – 3 steps twoard learning music
Since in home lessons are “our business” I though it helpful to go over a few steps to get you closer to your goal of leaning music, or helping your child learn to play an instrument. The best part about lessons in your home is the convenience but if your smart you’ll want that to
Leave it on a good note – dancing to make a music lesson feel good!
Probably the most important motivator of all is teacher interactions with the student. No matter what happened in the private guitar lesson, whether it was flawless, or if the student was really frustrated with themselves and got upset, we must ALWAYS leave it on a good note. Even in the most challenging lessons, leaving music
Ten Boredom Busters to Motivate the Musician in your Family
Looking for a way to motivate the music student in your home to practice their instrument? Beyond the more obvious strategies such as providing a quiet space, having the instrument at hand and keeping to a consistent practice routine, try these ten boredom busters for some fresh ideas to get the sounds of music happening
The benefits of sibling competition – a piano teachers tool
I absolutely love teaching siblings. When I first started teaching, I thought siblings were a sensitive issue and that I should be careful not to stir up any competition between them but the more I grow and learn as a teacher, I realize that your younger sister or older brother can be the BEST practice
Stickers and goals – small motiviations for music students can equal big results!
It doesn’t take much to motivate the under 10 crowd and stickers, sticker charts, and the occasional bonus surprise have kept mine practicing and trying hard all year long. My kids know that if they play their homework song well enough, they will get their choice from a buffet of stickers, that very in sizes
Why In Home Piano Lessons in D.C. Beat Studio Lessons
If you have ever sat in traffic for an hour on the Beltway during rush hour just to cover five exits, you may already know why in home music lesson in general can be more convenient than studio lessons in the D.C. area. This is a high traffic location, and for many busy families, the