My Favorite Computer-Based Program for Music Lab Time

August 20, 2019
by Amy
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In the post Music Labs in the Independent Studio: A Brief History, I mentioned that when I first started to include music lab time in my piano studio,  I didn’t have an iPad, so I began with computer-based programs such as Music Ace Maestro, Alfred’s Interactive Musician, and Essentials of Music Theory, along with a subscription to the online Music Learning Community.

Of those programs, there’s only one that I’m currently still using, and that’s Essentials of Music Theory, published by Alfred. You can purchase it on their website or on Amazon.

Because it is an older program, you don’t download it directly online; you must purchase the CD-ROM and upload it to your computer. While this feels antiquated, I still find the program a valuable addition to my music labs, as it is one of the most complete and comprehensive theory lesson programs out there.

The program comes in either a Student Version (single use), Educator Version (multiple students on one device), or Network Version (multiple computers).

There are 3 Volumes available that could be purchased separately or as one program called Essentials of Music Theory Complete.

If you are using the program in an independent studio setting for music lab time, then you will need to purchase the Educator Version – Complete. While it is one of the more expensive music theory programs to include in a music lab, it’s also one of the most thorough and comprehensive.

The program includes 18 units. Each of those units comprises four to five lessons, ear training, and a review test for a total of 75 lessons within the 18 units. For a detailed list of what’s included in each unit/lesson, visit this link.

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Shop is Open! Check Out the New Music Lab Series

August 20, 2019
by Amy
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Music Lab Series on Amy's computer

Drumroll, please…

After two years and five months of this blog, Piano Pantry now has a SHOP! (I’ve been waiting so long to say that!!)

You can find it in the top menu bar.

While this is quite an exciting announcement, there’s an even better one…

What’s the first product, you ask?

It’s a Music Lab series!

How This Series Came To Light

For a brief history of music labs and how I came to develop this series, as well as a few details on how I run my labs, check out:

Music Labs in the Independent Studio: A Brief History

As I mentioned in that post, when I started including a music lab eight years ago, there was only one “curriculum” product. While it was a great product, it just wasn’t working for me, and I didn’t want to have to purchase a book for every student for music lab time, so I began creating my own materials.

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Music Labs in the Independent Studio: A Brief History (and a big announcement!)

August 6, 2019
by Amy
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Piano, keyboard, and screen

As part of the upcoming release of the Music Lab series here on Piano Pantry, I wanted to take a moment to reflect a little on the history of music labs in the independent music studio.

Along with that, I’ll share some of the experiences I went through trying to find products that I liked that were useful for this type of off-bench time.

Early Memories

Do you remember when you first started hearing about the idea of including music labs as part of private music instruction in the independent studio? Is the idea something you’ve always been aware of or do you recall a certain point in time when you noticed the idea emerging?

 Depending on how long you’ve been teaching, I’m sure each of us will have a different answer to this question.

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Facebook Live Studio Tour Wrap-Up

June 28, 2018
by Amy
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Earlier this week, I hosted a Facebook Live series that toured various areas of my piano studio.

If you missed it, you can still catch the videos on the Piano Pantry Facebook page. There were several blog posts and items I mentioned in the videos I’ve also linked for you below.

Many thanks for all the encouraging comments and feedback! Now that I’ve finally taken the plunge, I look forward to doing more Facebook Live videos!

Day 1

Studio layout/overview, workspace, student files, and how I organize my music. Click here to view the video.

Posts mentioned / related:

Other resources mentioned:

Day 2

A look into my teaching space and student music lab. Click here to view the video.

Posts mentioned / related:

Other resources mentioned:

Day 3

A look into my student space including incentive program, prize boxes, game drawer, practice charts and more. Click here to view the video.

Posts mentioned/related:

Other resources mentioned:

5-Days of Giveaways | 04: Sproutbeat App

March 13, 2017
by Amy
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It’s day four of the one-year anniversary celebration of Piano Pantry!

Thank you to everyone who entered Friday’s (day 3) giveaway. Congratulations to Kathy Beemer, winner of the 1-year subscription to Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Magazine!

I’m only giving away items that I currently use and love. Unlike the rest of the days, because of the nature of the final ($75) surprise giveaway, entries will be open for three days and will close at 12:00 am on Friday, March 17. Curious? You’ll have to come back tomorrow for the final reveal!

Today’s sponsor is Eik Siang Mar, owner and creator of the Sproutbeat App. I first met Eik at MTNA 2016 and enjoyed getting to know her more at the Ohio MTA conference this past fall. If you know or see Eik at MTNA, please join me in thanking her for sponsoring today’s giveaway!

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Inspiring Creativity with Student Art Books

October 25, 2016
by Amy
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Before I opened my studio, I always knew I wanted to have a student art book in the waiting room. Where the idea came from, I’m not sure, but I know it wasn’t my original idea. Thanks to whoever the blogger inspired me!

I bought a blank canvas sketchbook similar to this one at Michaels and had an artist friend decorate the cover. It would have been fun to hold a studio-wide contest, but since I was just building my studio at the time, that wasn’t an option.

Here’s what she came up with. Isn’t it amazing?

student-art-book-1
student-art-book-2

This particular book has been full for a couple of years now. Before I show you what we’re using for our new studio art book, I wanted to share some of my favorite entries.

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