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Violin Judy has a fun idea for making up practice box “treats” for students. This is kind of a different/reverse take on the practice pouch idea I mentioned in #4 of last week’s post. What kid isn’t motivated by special treats?

2

In April I purchased this Handmade Acrylic Washi Tape Dispenser from Etsy that has a fun paisley design. I was looking for something that didn’t take up a ton of space, would fit on the piano next to the music rack and that was at least somewhat pretty/design friendly. This one fit the bill. (*Disclaimer: You have to press on the tape a little to hold it down when you tear it off since the cutting edge is acrylic and not overly sharp, but I don’t mind that being that my kiddos use it.)

3

My husband and I like to can. We can anything from chicken/venison stock and soups to corn, green beans, pears, strawberry jam, pear butter, and more. Find out about the rise and fall in popularity of the mason jar in A Short History of the Mason Jar.

4

Since I teach outside my home, I often pack my lunch. Last year I ended up eating lunch out way more than I like, so this year I’m determined to do better. While my husband prefers leftovers for lunch, I’m fine with a little of this and that. I keep a Pinterest board called “Lunch Box” for inspiration and follow several Instagram accounts like sylina_lunches, planetbox, sara_makes_lunch, and happykidslunch. Even posts on packing lunch for kids are useful. Check School Lunch Solutions Part 1 and Part 2, and A Guide to Teaching Your Kids to Pack their Own Lunch.

5

I just ordered my fall edition of the ever beautiful Sift magazine put out by King Arthur Flour. This first step into fall time has made me feel like pulling out fall decorations for the studio in the next couple weeks. Autumn is in the air!

Do you decorate your studio for the seasons?

~Amy

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A piano made out of chopsticks. Man, this guy is coordinated!

2

I found a new podcast! Classical Classroom. I’ve only listed to a couple but really like it so far.

From Houston Public Media: “Houston Public Media classical music librarian, Dacia Clay has a secret: she knows next to nothing about classical music. But she wants to learn! Luckily, she’s surrounded by classical music experts every day. In each episode of the Classical Classroom, Dacia’s colleagues and some local classical music luminaries take turns giving her classical music “homework assignments”. You’ll learn about everything from bel canto aria to the use of leitmotif in the score to Star Wars. Come learn with us in the Classical Classroom.”

One of the episodes I caught was a February 2016 episode with Hugh Sung of A Musical Life podcast. Gotta love Hugh!

Continue reading

Each Friday on this blog, I will share some of my favorite finds from the past week. I absorb a lot of content in Feedly so I’m looking forward to helping you as busy teachers see what’s worth checking out! You will find anything from teaching articles, podcasts, music news, recipes, favorite pieces, and more.  I promise to try to keep it at 10 items or less!

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Top 10 Tips for Tackling and Transforming Piano Technique

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Jenny at theplayfulpiano.com has a cute free printable contract that emphasizes the parent/teacher/student triangle that is so important for the success of our pupil’s.

3

If you listen to only one podcast, this month I strongly suggest you listen to Personality Hacker’s episode on Generational Theory with Jessie Newburn. I would suffice to say it’s the MOST fascinating thing (besides Music Learning Theory) I’ve learned ALL YEAR.  Did you know there are four cycles of generations that happen every 80 years? Did you know that the current generation/cycle (2004-2024) is experiencing the same cycle as baby boomers? Did you know the current generation are called Homelanders? If you didn’t, you do now, but you’ll learn a whole heap more if you listen to the podcast! Understanding generational theory puts so many things in life, politics and more into perspective.

4

English Muffins are one of my go-to breakfast foods, especially in winter as they’re nice with a warm cup of coffee. I’ve tried every brand under the sun and haven’t found one I truly loved until now. In Meijer freezer section I found these delicious Organic 100% Flourless Sprouted Whole Grain Muffins. They have more flavor than all the other brands put together and are really healthy to boot! While I only have one variety in my store, the company makes three varieties along with a whole slew of other products.

5

I was lucky to already have an authentic Brazilian meal by Joy’s husband on the way home from Boston last week, but since I know most of you probably weren’t so luck, here are 6 Brazilian Recipes to Cook for the Olympics.

We had lentil soup, short ribs braised with black beans and two other type of bacon/ham, chicken in butternut squash puree, chorizo crepes, and rice. Sorry, Paul if I didn’t get the descriptions quite right!

I hope you’re enjoying your last days of August. It’s been quite a rainy, overcast week here in Indiana. It feels like Fall is already upon us. I’m not ready!

~Amy

My head is spinning, my heart is excited, my mind is scared, I’m stretched to the T.

Today is the last day of my training with the Gordon Music Institute and Music Moves for Piano with Marilyn Lowe.

There’s so much to share but for now, rather than a traditional Friday Finds post, I’ve been wondering…

What’s been your favorite Friday Find? 

Is there a particular video or article that’s swimming around in your head that won’t leave you alone or that you drew a great tip from?

Did you find a new favorite recipe?

Are you loving a particular podcast I recommended?

Looking forward to hearing from you in the comments!

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Top Ten Tips to Tackling and Transforming Piano Technique.

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Whether you’re a blogger developing a new post, a piano teacher helping students compose, or someone simply looking to give yourself more time and a chance to be creative, you will find great application in the post For a More Creative Brain, Follow These Five Steps.

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Irish piano teacher Nicola has some great suggestions in 3 Ways to Solve the 30-minute Piano Lesson Time Crunch Conundrum.

See, I told you it would be short and sweet this week, now get out there and enjoy the summer while you can!

~Amy