The theme “Happy Birthday” seems to be playing around in my life this week.
First, the new post that went up on Piano Pantry this week was about a
tweak I made this year with my student birthday cards.
Second, this was the first week since our fall lessons started that I had a student with a birthday, so I just sent out my first card!
Third, I’ve corresponded with several of you recently about student birthday-card-related things.
Fourth, today is my baby brother’s birthday so I’ll give him a shout-out (although I’m pretty sure he doesn’t read my blog! Ha!). Just for fun, here are a couple of pictures from a family photo session last year that I think sums up our relationship
So BOOM, we have our weekly theme!
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Thanks to reader Karen Shuart for sharing two student birthday ideas with me (and now, I with you!).
First, here’s what she had to say about this Etsy shop which has super cute cards you could use for your student birthdays:
I don’t know the owner personally, but have purchased several items and they arrive on time and the recipient often comments on how creative the cards have been. I also purchased some sticker pages, clipped them apart and gave them as fellow piano teacher gifts along with some of post-it flags from the Dollar Tree. It seemed to be well received.
Second, she reminded me of Leila Viss’s resource Perry’s Party Piano Camp for teaching students to play Happy Birthday!
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That, in turn, made me remember a free resource from Jennifer Fink at Pianimation. It’s a Harmonization sheet for Happy Birthday using the primary chords.
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This isn’t a find, but just a little teaser that I have my own “Happy Birthday” resource I’m working on to share in the near future. My students have already seen four or five versions of it over the last two years but I’m getting closer to my end product. Stay tuned!
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Recommended recipes:
Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti Squash | Closet Cooking
Sometimes I just used jarred enchilada sauce rather than making my own.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes | Damn Delicious
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I’ve been listening to fellow teacher/colleague Marlowe Carruth’s channel on Spotify while working and it has been so soothing!
She also has a beautiful rendition of the Downton Abbey theme.
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Use a Bowl of Vinegar to Get Rid of Food Smells | The Kitchn
I’m trying this – I filled a pint-sized ball jar with white vinegar, put a thin layer of cheesecloth on top, and crimped it down with a metal jar ring. I plan on keeping it out in my kitchen, next to the stovetop at all times, and am excited to see the results!
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Using Screen Mirroring Wirelessly with Your iPad | Deborah Rambo Sinn
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Piano Pouches: Something Fun for New Online Students | Joy Morin, Color in My Piano
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Nebraska: Images of the Cornhusker State | Alan Taylor, The Atlantic
Now that I know about this collection, you may be getting the link to the new one each week. I just think it’s such a fabulous series! My favorites this week include #1, 3, 6, 10, 15.
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This time in Piano Pantry history:
2016 – Friday Finds: Unlocking Creativity, Unfurling Jolene
2016 – Announcing Piano Pantry’s first Big Resource!
2017 – Friday Finds: PawPaw and Money-Making Tips
