Category Archives: Method Books
In the Technique Box – part 2
Intermediate technique books sitting on my shelf. May or may not ever be used … 1. Technic is Fun, Books One and Two (compiled, edited and arranged by David Hirschberg, pub. Alfred). Classic studies that cover a wide range of … Continue reading
In the Technique Box* (part 1)
There are three boxes of technique books sitting on the shelf, organized according to the level: Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced. These are used books. Stuff that I pull out for students as needed. My beginner and elementary students use the … Continue reading
Posted in Method Books, Piano pedagogy, Practice Tips, Rhythm, Studio News, Technic
Tagged Alfred, Finger exercises, Music, Pianist, Piano, Piano Adventures, piano teachers, Piano teaching, piano technic, Piano Technique
4 Comments
Well. That’s done.
For the last 18 years I’ve been teaching one or more of my kids to play the piano. That adventure is over. Last month my daughters both took their final (for them) exams. Then on Saturday I sat nervously in … Continue reading
Posted in General, Method Books, Performance, Studio News
Tagged Classical music, Lessons and Instruction, music lessons, Piano Lessons, Piano teaching
21 Comments
A few musings on methods
Given the width and depth of early teaching materials available, I don’t like to stick with one method. New stuff is coming out all the time and I like to explore it. To be able to toss in any supplementary … Continue reading
YOU do the counting.
TTM: Talkative Teacher Mode. *Most teachers feel compelled to speak, as if explaining, defining, reminding, admonishing, outlining, encouraging, and a host of other “ings” were of paramount importance, all the time. It’s as if TTM… was a built-in feature of … Continue reading
It’s not work at all
“There is only one way in this world to achieve true happiness, and that is to express yourself with all your skill and enthusiasm in a career that appeals to you more than any other. In such a career, you … Continue reading
Posted in Bach, Business of Teaching, General, Inspirational, Method Books, Piano pedagogy, Pianos, Quotes
Tagged Music, Piano teaching, quotes, work
2 Comments
The odd thing about books
Ever feel like this in your studio? After culling excess music in summer, it’s piling up again. It’s a disease. Between the APTA conference and Rideau Music’s closing out sale, music books just keep finding their way back into the … Continue reading
Brain Goals
This is your Brain… on Music. Our studio incentive program for this year is off to a fine (well, slow – my fault) start this year. I have FINALLY got the pages in everyone’s binder. I printed this on 2 … Continue reading
Bullies and their enemies
I love my new beginners ♥ I don’t remember any other year when I’ve had such a delightful bunch of Brand New Beginners. They’ve all had that important first lesson now and it’s going to be a fun year! I … Continue reading
Posted in Method Books, Piano pedagogy, Studio News
Tagged C (musical note), Piano, Piano Adventures, Piano method books, Piano pedagogy
2 Comments
First Lessons
In 3 hours students arrive. The first 2 are brand new beginners. That first lesson is so important. I’ll never forget Dennis Alexander relating the story of his very first lesson. His teacher told him to come on in, for … Continue reading
Too. Much. Paper.
Walls are re-painted. Most stuff on the walls has been stashed away. Music has been sorted, culled, and given away. Time to tackle the paper. And ditch the guilt. The plethora of music theory resources – so much of it … Continue reading
Posted in Business of Teaching, Method Books, Performance Classes, Theory
Tagged Circle of fifths, Music theory
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