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Mini me
Music has a powerful effect on our brain through intellectual and emotional stimulation, but it can be an abstract subject to study. Children learn well through play and movement, and we know that adding a bit of humour while teaching a new concept enhances retention. Over the years, I have collected and created many manipulatives…
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We are live and on the air in 3, 2, 1
It takes a lot to teach online. Every single thing I do in a typical lesson has had to be adapted for working remotely. Procedures have changed. My teaching space and office has been rearranged more times than I can count to improve work flow and ergonomics. All my handouts and music scores are in…
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For such a time as this
The photo in this post is the studio deadline whiteboard from March to the end of the season. Today I completed my very last task of this season – reviewing a student’s performance exam video submission. I am also right in the middle of planning the upcoming season. This is the time when I reflect,…
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Wow! (or how to get good at piano)
A few weeks ago, two different piano parents asked me if I noticed anything different about their child at the most recent lesson. My response was, “Yes! Wow! What happened?!” The parents’ answer was, “I helped my child get to the piano every day this week.” Success in piano is very much dependent on three…
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Congratulations!
Congratulations to my student Sarah Daly for winning a Gold Medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music for the highest mark in Ontario in Intermediate Piano Pedagogy! Sarah worked very hard over several years to complete all her Level 10 piano and theory requirements, as well as prepare for all her teacher exams. Well done!
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This One Sits Just Right
You know the story of Goldilocks – Papa Bear’s chair was too big, Mama Bear’s chair was too big, but Baby Bear’s was just right. I have several young students who are still pint-sized. But the scale of a piano fits a full-sized adult. And how we sit at the piano greatly affects our sound…
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Tales of a Musical Journey
People sometimes ask me if I still take beginners. I suppose they are wondering if, with the number of advanced students in my studio, I would still be interested in working with a beginner. The answer is, I do! In fact, I think a beginning student should find the very best teacher they can (within their…
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Shopping Around
I have a confession. I have seven “pianos” – two upright acoustic pianos, one grand piano, and four digital keyboards and/or synthesizers. I recommend all my students have an acoustic piano for lessons. Having a good quality instrument to practice on at home is an important part of success. Why? Because there is nothing like an acoustic…
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O Canada!
Congratulations to all my students who played at our recent recital. To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday many projects this season have had a Canadian flavour. The last recital of this year was nearly all-Canadian content! At the fall group class we looked at the history of our own national anthem and students learned it in a…
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The 30-Piece Challenge
This past season was phase two of developing reading skills in my students. We know that students who read well will be lifelong musicians. And one factor of being able to read music well is accumulating a large number of hours reading something new. But, when we get busy preparing for performances and exams, we…
