by Joseph D'Amico | Apr 9, 2019 | Repertoire
There are many piano teachers out there who rely on method books more than they should, especially early on. Considering that I was one of these teachers, I have begun to question the practice of relying on method books as a primary curriculum. In fact, I suspect that...
by Joseph D'Amico | Mar 26, 2019 | beginner, Technique
The importance of establishing a technical regimen as a pianist cannot be overstated. Although we may think of technical routines with more advanced students in mind, I recommend focusing on technical work right from the beginning. How can we achieve a baseline...
by Ivy Pirl | Mar 12, 2019 | Musical Expression, tone
How do you teach piano students to play with a rich, beautiful tone? It’s a skill that is fundamental to the more complex artistry tasks such as voicing, balance, and expressive phrasing. A singing tone quality elevates a very elementary piece instantly and makes your...
by Joseph D'Amico | Feb 25, 2019 | counting, Practice Strategies, Teaching Tips
I have noticed a trend among piano teachers in teaching rhythms by rote as opposed to what I call “mathing it out”. I will admit that having a student copy your example is much faster in conveying rhythmic concepts (especially dotted rhythms), but this is really not a...
by Chris Owenby | Feb 12, 2019 | Creativity
It’s so important that we look for creative ways to teach our students, especially those beginners! If we can help them quickly recall those basic techniques, such as appropriate piano posture, nice and curved hands, legato fingering, pedal technique, etc., then...
by Joseph D'Amico | Jan 29, 2019 | Practice, Practice Strategies
Do you ever stop to think about the phrase “practice makes perfect” as it relates to the piano? Do your students practice their music until it’s perfect? What is perfection? What should practicing consist of? These are all questions we must answer in order to spend...
by April O'Keefe | Jan 15, 2019 | parent engagement, Piano Lessons
Quality music lessons are an asset to the life of a budding musician and a joy for the teacher watching them discover a passion. Understanding what the person on each side of the instrument should and does expect makes for a quality private lesson experience. ...
by Ivy Pirl | Jan 1, 2019 | Encouragement, Kick-off Ideas
Happy New Year, fellow piano teachers! The month of December is so full, isn’t it? Full of joy, family, gatherings, all manners of busyness…and if you’re a musician, probably full of concerts, rehearsals, and just a tad of blinding chaos? Hopefully, the joy and peace...
