I’ll admit, I’m not the teacher that is always up on all the “music/teaching” apps out there. Part of me can be a teensy-weensy bit slow at keeping up on that end. I was, however, happy to add to my iPad this week, TuneTrain especially for students who love to compose. The best part is that with a single tap, the student can transform their visual “picture” melody into actual notation. Fab. Continue reading
Did you know Music Mind Games has a rhythm solitaire app? It’s only $0.99 on the app store and will be a fun addition to my lab time. Rhythm and solitaire – a brilliant combination! Continue reading
I just printed out Julie Knerr’s 20-Ways to Practice for a Recital to use with my students in the two weeks leading up to their recital. I printed the list page on one side and then printed the 25-check boxes image on the other side of the page.
One of my favorite hymns is It is Well with My Soul. I downloaded the studio license. It’s already loaded into my ForScore app ready to play on Sunday. Continue reading
The name “Clafoutis” alone makes me want to bake this beautiful french desert. Rustic, and cozy. I wouldn’t tackle a dessert like this without my cherry pitter
though!
How Joy has been using MLT in her studio since our trip to Boston for the MLT certification course last August.
All the hype over this? Continue reading
Another perspective on the madness.
I couple of articles supporting the group over individual lessons. The Advantages of Small Group Classes and Private or Group by Dr. Robert Pace.
Try Amazon Music Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial
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4D Piano Teaching is starting a new series called “Tuesday Teaching Tactics.” I LOVE that it truly was a short idea – one paragraph – simple. Follow the site so you don’t miss out!
This week I came across a Sheet Music Reviews website and their corresponding YouTube channel.
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After being on a Friday Finds hiatus due to my Piano Pantry one-year anniversary celebration and the recent trip to the MTNA Conference in Baltimore, I’m back and ready to go for another great year of finds!
I thought it would be fun to take a peek back myself at the first few Friday Finds posts. I imagine many of you weren’t around then so if you want to check them out see Friday Finds #1, Friday Finds #2, and Friday Finds #3.
Included in some of today’s finds are a couple favorites from those first few posts.
P.S. After I started this Friday Find post, I realized a color theme was emerging. Sometimes it just works that way!
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Some great examples of tough emails we sometimes have to write when students aren’t practicing from Teach Piano Today.
The story of how one teacher went from stressed-out teacher to successful studio owner.
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Carpet Squares. I went to my local carpet store and asked if they had old samples they needed to get off their hands. They were happy to sell them to me for $1 each. I purchased 25. My original intent was to hand them out to families to use as bench “prop-ups.” Layering several of them is a perfect way to boost a little kiddo up on the bench without beeing too “cushy.” I just store them under a table in the studio.
While I haven’t gotten around to distributing to families yet, I HAVE found a use in my studio! They’re PERFECT for group classes – mostly for the little ones. I plop the rug down EXACTLY where I want them to sit for activities whether it’s a half circle for performances/listening, or a circle for a game. They love having their own 
spot.
A recent class discovered they like making their own “stage” when they do their music/movement using John Freierabend’s “Move It!” Video’s (which I recommended in a previous find). They’re wonderful movement activities set to Classical Music and the kids LOVE them – they always ask to do “one more.”
This is one of those things that make you go “Oh, duh, why did I never think of that?!” Curious?
Setting Up Your Browser to Increase Your Productivity. It’s the little things that make a difference!
I had a freshman beginning student who’s been with me a year and a half. She’s currently playing at Faber 2B level but is ready for a good challenge piece.
Paul Sheftel’s “Nocturne” was perfect. This is one of those pieces I will always keep a copy of on hand.
