Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway from Friday Finds #175! I’m pleased to say we had a record number of entries.
The winner is… Belinda Glass!
Congratulations! I’ve already dropped you an email (so check your inbox). Your choice copy, The Victress Sessions will be sent directly to your door. I hope you and your students enjoy this book!
We’re a little over a month into spring and I’ve pulled out all my favorite recipes that involve Spring veggies (especially asparagus and peas). One of my favorites is this Chicken and Sugar Snap Pea Stir-Fry from Williams Sonoma.
I can’t vouch for these last two as they’re on my “to-make list”. I have high-hopes though. I mean, Pan-Crisped Deviled Eggs?! It can’t get better than that!
My husband is the chocaholic in our family. He loves all things chocolate/fudge. I’m pretty sure he would go crazy over this Double Chocolate Fudge-Stuffed Loaf Cake. Maybe I’ll make it for his birthday in May.
Which of these finds did you find most useful for where you’re at this week?
Since I’ve always considered myself somewhat of an “original”, my curiosity was piqued and I immediately threw it into my Amazon cart.
In this post, I’ll share brief thoughts on why I love this book, why this non-piano-teaching book can still inspire us in our profession, and a few key quotes.
Why I Enjoyed It and You May Too
The biggest reason why I love this book is that the author, Adam Grant, manages to take what could be boring case studies and research and presents it in an engaging story-driven manner. You’ll read about anyone from Michelangelo to George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., and (of course) Steve Jobs.
He often debunks common misconceptions about what it means to be a purveyor of change. In eight chapters, he covers:
The risky business of going against the grain
The art and science of recognizing original ideas
Speaking truth to power
Strategic procrastination and the first-mover disadvantage
Creating and maintaining coalitions
How siblings, parents, and mentors nurture originality
The myths of strong cultures, cults, and devil’s advocates
Managing anxiety, apathy, ambivalence, and anger
Often, books provide us with all of this great information, and then we’re left trying to figure out for ourselves what to do with that information or how to apply it to our situation.
Adam Grant has you covered. At the end of this book, he has an entire section titled “Actions for Impact.” He goes the extra mile and gives you practical applications. Broken into three areas, they are:
Actions for individuals to generate, recognize, voice, and champion new ideas
Actions for leaders to stimulate novel ideas and build cultures that welcome dissent.
Recommendations for parents and teachers to help children become comfortable taking a creative or moral stand against the status quo
If you consider yourself an original “thinker” and love growing, learning, and thinking outside the box, or you’re looking to grow a music studio and need inspiration for what it means to be a non-conformist, then this book is for you.
Taking Application as Studio Teachers
It really is true that no matter what our profession is, we can learn so much from other areas of life that apply to what we do on a daily basis. This is one of those books.
One of the biggest points I took away as a teacher came out of chapter six, where he addresses how siblings, parents, and teachers can literally mentororiginality – it doesn’t just have to be innate.
By explaining moral principles, parents encourage their children to comply voluntarily with rules that align with important values and to question rules that don’t. Good explanations enable children to develop a code of ethics that often coincides with societal expectations; when they don’t square up, children rely on the internal compass of values rather than the external compass of rules. (Page 165)
He also discussed the importance of highlighting how what we do affects others. Here are a few examples (pages 170, 169, 166 respectively):
Not this: “Don’t drink and drive.” But this: “Don’t be a drunk driver.”
Not this: “Please don’t cheat.” But this: “Please don’t be a cheater.”
Not this: “Hand hygiene prevents you from catching diseases.” But this: “Hand hygiene prevents patients from catching diseases.”
(The last one is, of course, an ironic example at this point in our history. LOL.)
Children were found to do better when having their character praised rather than simply having their behavior praised.
So, as a teacher, perhaps one quick example we could reword would be something like this:
Not this: “That was very creative.” But this: “You are very creative.”
P.S. I would love for us to all share some examples in the comments of how we can turn our praise from behavior to character!
9 Key Quote(s)
I was really hoping to share just 2 or 3, but I just couldn’t cut them down!
“The hallmark of originality is rejecting the default and exploring whether a better option exists.” (Page 7)
“Advocating for a new system often requires demolishing the old way of doing things.” (Page 13)
“They [originals] feel the same fear, the same doubt, as the rest of us. What sets them apart is that they take action anyway. They know in their hearts that failing would yield less regret than failing to try.” (Page 28)
“When we bemoan the lack of originality in the world, we blame it on the absence of creativity. If only people could generate more novel ideas, we’d all be better off. But in reality, the biggest barrier to originality is not idea generation—it’s idea selection.” (Page 31)
“It’s widely assumed that there’s a trade-off between quantity and quality—if you want to do better work, you have to do less of it—but this turns out to be false. In fact, when it comes to idea generation, quantity is the most predictable path to quality.” (Page 37)
“Many people fail to achieve originality because they generate a few ideas and then obsess about refining them to perfection.” (Page 37)
“Exposure increases the ease of processing. An unfamiliar idea requires more effort to understand. The more we see, hear, and touch it, the more comfortable we become with it, and the less threatening it is.” (Page 78)
“Being original doesn’t require being first. It just means being different and better.” (Page 105)
“In the quest for happiness, many of us choose to enjoy the world as it is. Originals embrace the uphill battle, striving to make the world what it could be.” (Page 242)
I hope you will find this book an interesting and inspiring read as I did! You can find it on Amazon or any other place that sells books! 🙂
Today we are celebrating the best-of-the-best finds from the past 24 posts – from #151 to #174.
As usual, in celebration of a milestone, there will be a giveaway at the end. Woot, woot!
What is it, you ask?
I’ll be giving away 1 copy of “The Sessions” book – you choose which book you would like!
My only rule for myself is that this post would contain no more than 25 of the best items from these past weeks.
In order for an item to make the top 25, it had either to still be quite interesting or something that I absolutely love. It also had to hold value for us both now and in the future. In other words, is the item (fairly) timeless?
I’ve broken them down into a few categories to make it easier to consume.
In this review, I’ll briefly share why I love this book, a few key quotes, and some fun and interesting facts.
In this autobiography, Dr. Gordon (1927-2015) shares his journey as a musician, music educator, and researcher. Through these experiences and influences, he began to question how music is conventionally taught, ultimately leading him to become the “founding father” of Music Learning Theory (MLT).
If you’re looking to learn more about Music Learning Theory, then this book should be one of the first books you grab. Hearing Dr. Gordon talk about his own experiences and thought-process that brought him to research more deeply how we learn music is a lovely soft primer into what can often feel like the “daunting” world of MLT.
That being said, I strongly believe that you don’t have to be interested in MLT or even necessarily enjoy autobiographies for this book to be a really good choice.
Anyone who is simply a curious music educator will find his journey inspiring, thought-provoking, and even relatable.
I found it to be quite a delightful read and loved that it was an easily consumable 130 pages.
Key Quote
Teaching is from the outside, whereas learning is from the inside. (Page 102)
Other Notable Quotes
You must always be hearing where the piece will end, the tonic, as you are performing, no matter what note you are playing. That is the way you play in tune. The most important part of music takes place between beats not on beats. (Page 38)
Even today, more than forty years later, I believe a myriad of music teachers may still be uncomfortable with music learning theory. To accept its concepts requires time and change, and most teachers, and humans in general, do not embrace change easily. Specifically, to shift emphasis in music education from promoting the teaching process to understanding the learning process requires courage and risk. Good methodology must be based on principles of learning. I believe the foremost egregious problem in current music education practice is most teachers teach the way they themselves were taught and how they were taught to teach, not in accord with how students learn. Unfortunately, many thing teaching and learning are synonymous. (Page 57)
Does not the understanding of music have enough substance in its own right to be taught for its own sake? (Page 111)
A Few Fun and Interesting Facts
Dr. Gordon’s name “Edwin Elias” was actually mixed-up on his birth certificate. It was supposed to be Elias Edwin. Unfortunately (he says), Edwin stuck and thus, in his professional career, he always asked for his middle initial to be included in his name.
In order to direct him onto the “straight” path and away from questionable activities, Edwin’s father bought him a string bass.
During WWII he became a member of the 302nd Army Band. Since they didn’t have a place for string players, he learned to play tuba.
He attended Eastman School of music and, of the applied teachers there, he said, they “seemed not to know two instruments must be reckoned with, the actual instrument and the audiation instrument.” (Page 21). It was at this time he became conscious of the necessity for audiation (without yet having a term for it).
He left Eastman for a stint at which time he joined the Gene Krupa band, an experience that began to build the foundation of his musical philosophy/journey.
Eventually returning to Eastman, he earned a bachelor’s in string bass performance and a master’s in bass performance and music literature.
He obtained a second master’s degree in professional education for Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
After one year of public school teaching, he took a fellowship at the University of Iowa in Iowa City where he would spend the next 16 years of his life.
He was offered administrative duties at the university level but he turned them down as he didn’t want to be tied down by administrative duties and prevented from doing research.
He used the term “audiation” for the first time during a lecture in 1974.
He was inducted into the MENC Hall of Fame in 1996
You can also visit the GIML Website (Gordon Institute for Music Learning) to read more about Dr. Gordon.
Wasn’t it just New Years’ day yesterday? *rapidly shaking head like a wet dog shakes its tail*
Yep, and yet here we are. Before we know it this will all be over and we will be enjoying the shining rays, fireworks, and freedom of Summer (we pray).
But before that…next week we’ll be celebrating Friday Finds #175 here on Piano Pantry!
Time flies when you’re having fun (or in our current case, time flies even when you’re not having fun).
Our first milestone was the big #100 where I highlighted the top 100 finds. We also celebrated at #150.
Experience has taught me that it’s a lot of work to scour through 50-100 posts to look for the best-of-the-best, so from now on every 25 posts, I’m going to do a “best of” kick-back celebration.
Piano Adventures can be purchased digitally! Find it on Kindle, Google Play, and iBooks. Another option is to use the Piano Adventures Player app and pay $4.99 per level. The grapevine says these don’t include title names, dynamics or fingers though so just FYI). (Credit to Ally Santos who shared this on Piano Teacher Central!)
I’ve been loving having bananas in my freezer at all times lately but they’re a mess to defrost when you freeze them with the skins on. I was just thinking I needed a new way when I came across this: The Best Way to Freeze Bananas for Smoothies and Baking (Kelli Foster | The Kitchen). I did it and it’s true!
As teaching hours increase and stress levels spike due to the new online music lesson setting, you may be experiencing the inclination to either stress-eat or have the need for small bits of sustenance to see you through the day.
Here are a few of my favorite healthy snacks and recipes.
Dried Fruit
So far, my favorite dried fruit brands have either been Made in Natureor Trader Joe’s.
Unfortunately, both of these are often either not available on Amazon or not available for as good of a price as you may find in the store.
Generally, I reach for unsweetened, unsulfured, and organic dried fruit. Sweetened dried fruit is almost always way too sweet and sugary (in my humble opinion).
That being said, when it comes to dried apricots, they can be tricky. Half the time, the unsweetened, unsulfured ones can be really hard and dry. These ones from Amazon are pretty good.
For the slightly more child-like side of you (or just for a change of pace) try fruit leather (a.k.a. grown-up “fruit roll-ups”)!
Of course, we can’t go without mentioning chocolate! I usually go for the little individually wrapped ones like Dove Dark Chocolate. I also like Lindt 70% Cocoa bars and Dark Chocolate Almonds.
From Around the World
A couple of years ago, Nicola Canton shared several homemade recipes for super fast and healthy snacks for piano teachers on her website, Colourful Keys. Check those out as well!
What are some of your go-to snacks to keep the energy going? Share in the comments!
A new month has arrived and with it, blades of green grass are popping through.
Earth is ready to rejuvenate itself as the season propels forward. Our lives may not feel the same as we sit in limbo, but we can allow the new season and fresh air to energize that which may feel stagnant, and brighten that which may feel dark.
It’s Thursday – four days into online lessons and here’s the range of emotions I’ve experienced in the last 4 days:
Monday and Tuesday…I love online lessons! This is actually not bad at all. Hmm… maybe I should consider moving my studio online full time!
Wednesday…Get me out of here now! I still have two more students. I can’t do this! 7 hours on Zoom and my throat hurt and I wanted to crawl out of my office.
Thursday morning…Anxiety attack. On the verge of tears but I manage to hold them back. I can’t do this again, I can’t go through this day if it’s anything like yesterday.
An hour later…OK, the internet is better today. Maybe it will be OK after all. Breathe, Amy.
Three hours later…Oh, look at that beautiful blue sky – so thankful for the small joys like this. Life isn’t so bad. I’m keepin’ it positive!
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling a little bi-polar this week. This too shall pass.
It all comes down to…internet connection. If it’s bad, online lessons suck the life out of you. If it’s good, it feels like the coolest thing in the world.
Breathe in – I can do this. Breathe out – we’re all in it together.
Breathe in – I can do this. Breathe out – we’re all in it together.
May this list serve as a little part of your week that helps emote a sense of consistency and routine. Take what you need for this week and think nothing of the rest.
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Back in October, Natalie Weber wrote a blog post announcing a new pilates program she had joined and was loving. Last month I decided I needed a new workout routine so I dug up her affiliate link and joined.
She highlighted it again this past week along with some other great resources:
Don’t forget to follow my new Instagram account (@food.fun.with.amy). It’s my new outlet for sharing my passion for food and the journey with food photography!
If you’re not already teaching lessons online, many of us will be this week following Spring Break.
I think we can all agree that online teaching can take a little bit (or even a lot) more energy than in-person. Hopefully, the more we do it, the easier it will get!
To help you along the way, here are 10 products I love that can help make your next few weeks feel a little less stressful and a little more comfortable.
Remember, it’s the small things that can bring us joy in stressful times!
Here’s a quick reference guide – descriptions follow!
Do I make this week’s finds all about resources to deal with our current situation, do I keep it light and fun for the sake of our sanity and brain overload, or do I do a little of both? A little of this and a little of that.
*Theme to Jeopardy plays while I think….*
A little of this and a little of that feels right. We can’t ignore life but we can’t let our present situation drive our entire being.
Hey, I think I just gave a little life lesson! Boom!
In the post I shared yesterday on keeping a positive perspective, I shared a little about my grandmother and her disposition.
Today I want to tell you that my grandfather was well known for his bear hugs – guaranteed to be accompanied by a verbal and warm grunting sound. (The word grunting doesn’t seem to do the sound justice but I can’t think of another way to describe it. Rest assured it was a good sound 🙂 )
So, here’s me sending you a big virtual bear hug if you need it accompanied by a warm and enveloping grunting sound! *Squeeze*
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The first thing I am dying to tell you is that I finally started an Instagram account sharing my passion for food and journey with food photography! My husband used to be a photographer and he bought me a small photography light for Christmas. It’s all just for fun!
I love everything about this. My mom and both grandmothers were both homemakers and all before them. I have to admit that I love home-keeping. I love my job but I honestly think I could also be happy as a full-time household manager. Cooking, cleaning, organizing…
As many teachers are considering what it may look like to run their studio (temporarily) online, one topic that may be necessary and quite urgent is making the move to online payments.
If you’re still taking checks from parents and worried about making the switch, rest assured, while it may take a little leg work setting everyone up, your future self won’t regret it.
Taking online payments will save you time manually depositing checks, but the payment portal I want to share with you today will save you money compared to 90% of the other online payment services.
(P.S. That number was arbitrary. Basically, the fees are cheaper than anything else I’ve found out there.)
Coinhop has been my payment portal of choice for several years now. I hope the reasons why I love it will help you as you’re considering online payment options for your studio.
colate
Of course, we can’t go without mentioning chocolate! I usually go for the little individually wrapped ones like Dove Dark Chocolate. I also like 
than in-person. Hopefully, the more we do it, the easier it will get!
