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...
by Chris Owenby | Dec 24, 2018 | Christmas Songs, Music History
My wife, Erin, and I recently discussed our favorite Christmas music. Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Nat King Cole are among the top singers we listen to each Christmas. After listening to Sinatra sing several f Christmas arrangements, my wife asked a serious...
by Joseph D'Amico | Dec 18, 2018 | Strategies, system
As we approach the end of the holiday season, now may be a great time to evaluate your finances and plan for the next year. Although we musicians sometimes get stuck in the “starving artist” mentality, no one is forcing us into poverty. While it may be true that most...
by Joseph D'Amico | Dec 4, 2018 | Music Lessons, technology
Since I began teaching lessons many years ago, I have noticed more often students seem to have smartphones, tablets, and computers. In fact, they seem to be getting them at younger and younger ages. These students often have a natural inclination towards technology in...
by April O'Keefe | Nov 27, 2018 | gratitude
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father and uncle frequently got together to write and record music as I was growing up, and I remember falling asleep to their music being played in the basement for all hours. I have been in love with...
