17 August 2020 How To Be a Great Piano Teacher

How To Be a Great Piano Teacher

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Lots of people are looking for extra ways to make money. It’s called the gig economy, and many people are taking the skills they love the most and turning them into an extra income. 

But teaching piano isn’t like driving your car for Uber. If you teach someone a new skill such as playing the piano, you have to give more service to each of your customers. How do you become a great piano teacher? How do you get referrals because people love what you do? 

It starts by knowing how to play the piano

That sounds obvious, right? If you’re going to teach someone else how to play, you have to know how to play yourself. But it’s more than knowing the notes and being able to play a few of your favorite songs. You should have music theory down. You should understand rhythm and tone. You should have ample opportunity to play in different settings. 

You should enjoy playing and listening to piano music

Do people describe you as enthusiastic when it comes to music? Then you’re on the right track to becoming a great piano teacher. The best way to teach is to be excited about your subject. And that should show up in a variety of ways. Of course, playing is important. But listening is equally so. Do you like to take trips to the symphony? Would a tour of a piano manufacturer make your holiday? You’ll show more joy in what you do if you actually like motivating people to play better themselves. So it’s vital that you can handle listening to all kinds of levels of students. 

You enjoy challenges

As a piano teacher, you’re going to encounter all different levels of piano playing, with all kinds of people wanting to learn how to play. Can you deal with all of that and keep a smile on your face at the same time? Are you up for learning new ways to challenge your students and make them better? Every student will give you a unique opportunity to make them better. Your gift will be in challenging them to make them love playing piano a little bit more. Are you up for that challenge? 

You have a plan

Where do you see yourself in a year? In five years? Are you doing this solely for pocket change, or is this something you want to do for life? A great piano teacher can see teaching as a part of their lives for the long haul. They see themselves in the audience of their students, happy they’ve contributed to making their lives better. They have a plan for reaching out and connecting different levels of piano players in lots of different ways. 

It takes seeing your studio in full color, and building and upgrading along the way. It takes seeing where your students will come from, and finding new ways of connecting. It takes continually learning to find the right resources and using them to make each of your students better. 

Are you up for that challenge? 

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14 August 2020 What You Should Do Before Your Child Starts Playing The Piano

What You Should Do Before Your Child Starts Playing The Piano

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For many parents, it’s a fine balance between keeping your child busy after school, and finding activities they truly love.  It’s about pushing just enough to give them the chance to fall in love with an activity, while recognizing what they’re really good at. 

Setting them up before they begin is half the battle. If you do a few things before your child starts playing the piano, you’ll give them a better chance of falling in love with it. 

Buying a piano

This may seem obvious, but a lot of parents get this wrong. They approach it with a “wait and see” mindset, and select a toy piano from a discount store to “test the waters” before investing in something bigger. If you don’t have real equipment, you’ll never learn the right way. Ideally, you should invest in an acoustic piano that can help your child learn things a digital can’t teach. Like how to play using the touch of the keys. And how to capture harmonics by depressing keys and playing others. Touch is essential, something that not all digitals get right. 

Put your piano in the right place

Want to know the two biggest reasons children quit the piano? Because the piano is isolated and they don’t want to practice. Or the piano is next to the television, and they can’t practice without interruption. Choose a place that won’t be interrupted by either of these things and you’ll give your child a better chance at success. 

Tonal quality 

Where did you get your piano from? Was it in your mom’s friend’s great aunt’s next door neighbor’s basement?  How long did it sit there? If your child tries to play a song and it sounds nothing like the song, it doesn’t motivate them to keep working. If every note they strike is out of tune, what’s the point? It’s important to enjoy what you do, and you can’t do that unless the piano has a beautiful tonal quality to it. 

Introduce the piano before you start lessons

Bringing a piano into your home several months before you start lessons can give the opportunity of having it as a welcome guest. Encourage your kids to sit down and play. Show interest in making music. You can even explore using apps and games to make it more of a challenge. If kids pick up some skills before they attend their first lesson, it can help them stay motivated. 

Make sure they are ready

Children need basic skills before you sit them down at the piano. Do they know the difference between right and left? Do they know their alphabet? While the piano may be easy to touch the keys and hear sounds, it is a challenging instrument. It requires a person to use both hands independently, while paying attention to notes on the sheet music. Plus a lot of patience and practical skills mixed in. 

Is your child ready to start playing the piano? 

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10 August 2020 Should You Sign Up For Group Lessons or Private Lessons?

Should You Sign Up For Group Lessons or Private Lessons?

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You’re ready to sign your child up for piano lessons. But as you surf the internet and make a few phone calls in your local community, you’re suddenly confused by the offerings. Should you schedule one-on-one time with a piano instructor, opting for private lessons for your child to learn more? Or will they learn better when they take group lessons, one teacher in front of several individuals?

It can be a difficult decision. With a little research, you’ll discover there are benefits to both. 

Private lessons are typically short, instructional sessions with one teacher and one participant. You’ll often have one short session once per week. This allows personalized instruction where the student gets hands-on advice to create a stronger piano playing environment. 

Group lessons often consist of a larger class for longer periods of time. They can last up to three hours, and be guided by one or two teachers. Hearing other players can often motive to get things right. 

The advantages of private lessons include:

Personalized lesson plans – ever session is built around your skill level, your goals, your needs. The instructor will speed up or slow down based on your needs. 

Flexible scheduling – if you need to change times or dates, your instructor works to fit you into the schedule. 

Individualized attention – you get the attention of the instructor for the entire lesson. 

The advantages of group lessons include:

More instruction time – you’ll receive more information as the lessons are longer periods of time. 

More emphasis on the music – instructors work to learn and complete the song rather than focusing on methodology, hand placement, and other musical work. 

Teamwork – this allows you to be part of a group. The increased peer exposure allows you to keep up and be part of something bigger. 

Reduced stage fright – when people only play for their instructors, it can be intimidating playing in front of a larger group, even if it’s just parents. Playing with a group makes it easier to step out on stage. 

What’s the best playing method for you? It doesn’t have to be either/or. Sometimes the best course of action is to use both. Refinement and musicality all come from playing in a number of ways. 

What’s right for you? 

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7 August 2020 Supporting Your Child Through Piano Lessons

Supporting Your Child Through Piano Lessons

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Did you play the piano as a child? Were you in the band or orchestra as you made your way through school? It can help you help your child as they take on an instrument of their own. 

But if you have never played an instrument before, and aren’t musically inclined, how can you support your child through piano lessons? 

Practice, practice, practice. The key to becoming better at playing an instrument is to practice. It’s not something you can do here and there; you have to stick with a regular schedule. Don’t get caught up in pushing off practice “until tomorrow.” Instead, make it a part of your schedule every day. Don’t skip lessons. Set aside time every day to play. This is the only way to get better at playing. 

Practice doesn’t mean playing a piece from start to finish. When you first start playing, songs are short and easier to play. But the more difficult the music becomes, the longer it takes to master. Sometimes a practice session will be about playing one small piece of the song. That’s okay. Allow your child’s teacher to set the pace. 

Compliment music lessons with other forms of music. In order to develop music literacy, it’s important to have a wide variety of musical training tools in your home. Buy different music books and sheet music. Be willing to invest in things your child wants to try. Also consider apps and other online tools to help to learn to play. And when the opportunity arises, take field trips to local symphonies, concerts, and other musical events. 

Daily reminders to practice don’t mean your child doesn’t like to play. Kids are kids. And sometimes they groan as you remind them to do their daily chores. But that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy making music. Playing the piano can be a relaxing experience. You do have to make the time and encourage them to sit and play for the designated time period. It’s no different than reminding them to brush their teeth or do their homework. It’s a part of a parent’s job. 

Create long term goals. There’s nothing wrong with creating long term goals as they improve their piano playing. Schedule trips to the symphony several months out. Encourage them by promising upgraded pianos or accessories in the future. Motivate them by showing them what they can do with their skills. It will help you get more comfortable with their abilities and how well you can expect them to play. 

Participate. Sit down and listen to their practices once in a while. Attend their practices with teachers and piano groups. Get involved in helping them find playable music. Kids get excited when mom and dad participate in their activities. 

Work together with your child’s piano teacher to keep them involved. However, this doesn’t mean carrying on with a ten minute conversation after the lesson. Chances are they have another lesson soon after. Send an email. Sit in on the lesson to gain clarity on techniques to keep them moving forward. Let the teacher know you’re an active participant in your child’s learning. Sometimes, it can make all the difference in how long your child moves forward with their new skills. 

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3 August 2020 The Differences Between Playing a Piano and a Keyboard

The Differences Between Playing a Piano and a Keyboard

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One of the most common thoughts parents have when enrolling their kids in piano lessons is whether to buy a piano or a keyboard. Can you learn to play the piano on a keyboard? 

The short answer is: yes. While there are subtle differences between the two, which we’ll get into in a minute, the two often work interchangeably when learning to play. But that doesn’t mean you can run down to your local discount store and buy an electronic toy. There are certain characteristics a keyboard will need in order to make your skills transferable. 

Do pianos and keyboards sound the same?

There is a big difference between a piano player at your local symphony, and a keyboard player in your favorite rock band. Does that mean one is better than the other, or the two can’t be interchanged? Not at all. A sophisticated keyboard is designed to play like a piano. Because it’s digital, it will also have the possibility of replicating other sounds, like percussion, synthesizers, or horns. It also has the ability to easily save music directly to your computer, or even send it to your YouTube channel. For computer geeks, that can be a big benefit. 

What are the significant differences between the two?

When comparing the two, the biggest thing to watch for is the action. Action is the response a key has when you press down. If you play a key on an acoustic piano, it has some resistance – a weighted feel. In order to learn how to play, it’s important that a keyboard has that same weighted feel. It makes your skills transferable from one to the other. 

You should also pay attention to the range of keys. A traditional piano has 88 keys. Keyboards often go down in key numbers in order to save on space and size. A standard piano has 88 keys. Some keyboards will eliminate an octave or more, going down to 72 or fewer. 

If you play a keyboard, does it discourage you from moving to an acoustic piano?

Not necessarily. But again, it’s important that you pay attention to quality. If the two aren’t interchangeable, the skills you learn on a keyboard won’t transfer to an acoustic piano. It will mean you’ll have to relearn hand and finger placement, as well as how the keys spring into action. 

What’s the right choice for you?

It’s easy to fixate on the price. But it’s equally important to remember that playing the piano is a skill you can carry throughout your life. In order to learn the craft, you have to have the proper tool. If you aren’t sure, stop by and let us help you understand the differences between pianos and keyboards. We can let you feel and hear the differences, and make the right choice for your needs. 

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29 July 2020 How To Master Better Piano Playing

How To Master Better Piano Playing

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Start reciting your ABCs. Did you say them in your mind? Or did you start to sing them? 

Singing isn’t just for fun, it’s something we do for better retention. Think back to some of the most popular children’s songs – how easily do you remember them? 

Music is heavily involved in associative memory. That’s why many of us can hear a song and instantly be transported back to a time when it was popular. 

Music motivates us. And when you combine that with learning, it’s one of the best ways to become better at piano playing. 

Imagine having to sit down and learn music you hate. What fun would that be? But if you select music you love, if you have a desire to become better at playing the music you love, you suddenly have motivation to keep playing. 

The good news is there are a variety of renditions of popular music, made for all different levels of playing. 

Beginner songs will only have a few notes in the left hand. They will use simple chords with no more than three notes at a time. They also won’t have a lot of hand jumps or quick finger movements. They’ll keep things simple while you learn. 

If you truly want to master piano playing, you should also change the way you learn. 

A master learner doesn’t sit down and expect to play a song all the way through the first time. Instead, they focus on learning sections before combining them. A simple schedule would include learning a section on day one, followed by learning section two on day two, and combining it with section one. 

And so on. 

You can also learn by pulling the music apart, one hand at a time. What makes so rewarding is also what makes it a challenge. Piano playing combines music reading with playing both the right and left hand separately. That gives your brain a workout. But it can also lead to frustration. 

As you’re learning, focus on one hand at a time. Play the right hand until you learn it. Then play the left. As you coordinate both hands together, the song will come together quickly. 

While there isn’t a best way to learn and play, there are many things you can do to become better at piano playing. These are just a few of the things we use. How about you? 

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25 July 2020 Give Your Brain A Boost By Playing Piano

Give Your Brain A Boost By Playing Piano

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The American population is aging. The number of Americans over 65 will more than double in the coming years, reaching 80 million by 2040. The age group over 85 will quadruple during this same time period. 

Do you fall into this category? 

No matter what your age, you’re probably looking for ways to hold onto your youth as long as possible. This isn’t just from a cosmetic standpoint. It’s also about your health. 

Want your memory to be as sharp as a tack as you age? Consider playing the piano. 

Playing piano enhances your memory

Playing the piano builds a variety of skills, including improving your memory, particularly your verbal memory. Why? Because of the focus you put on creating beautiful music. Piano requires a variety of skills to play it well. You have to coordinate your left hand with your right, with the ability to follow along and ready music. It focuses on creating good habits like perseverance and diligence. It also sharpens your creativity. 

Playing piano makes you a better listener

You can’t play the piano well without listening skills. That’s because you have to listen carefully to the sound to ensure you’re playing well. Are you in pitch? How about tonal quality? Does it sound good to others listening in? It also focuses you in on how you’re playing, forcing out other noises that may be happening around you. 

Playing piano enhances language skills

And you thought only learning a new language would sharpen your language skills. In some ways, playing the piano teaches you similar tactics. You have to learn how to read music. You have to listen to hear how the music sounds. You have to translate it from visual cues ( the music) and increase output through your fingers. 

So what’s your reason for playing piano? Whether it’s for pure enjoyment, or to give yourself a new skill, you’re going to love all of the benefits a piano brings to your life. 

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21 July 2020 How To Stay Motivated When Playing The Piano

How To Stay Motivated When Playing The Piano

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When you start a new project, it’s fun and exciting. You’re ready to take on the world, and see your goal through to fruition. 

Then comes a time when frustration sets in. You can’t play the way you’d like. You can’t seem to move up in skill level. 

Maybe you should give up? 

The good news is you’re not alone. Every piano player has felt this from time to time. What makes you a great piano player is pushing through. Here’s how. 

Return to music you love

People often give up when they aren’t having fun playing the piano. And the reason this often happens is that you’re playing music you don’t like. Talk to your piano teacher. While it’s important to work through various genres, it’s equally important to enjoy what you play. If you’re having trouble, move back towards the music you love. That’s the whole point of learning to play anyway, isn’t it?

Set your mind up for mastery

Sometimes pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a tempting endeavor. This is to give you a reason to improve your technique and expand your repertoire. You can give yourself challenges in many ways, by stepping into new genres, or by upgrading the difficultness of the music. 

Set milestones

Is there a song you’ve been itching to play? Why not set it as a goal? Your teacher should be able to find interesting ways to keep you on track. Maybe you wish to surprise everyone for a holiday concert. Or learn a new song by a special event. Set milestones to ensure you’re on track to play it perfectly by the big day. 

Give yourself rewards

Remember star charts when you were little? There’s no reason those concepts have to end just because you grew up. Give yourself a goal to strive for, then reward yourself as you meet them. You can start with simple rewards like new sheet music, or a trip to the symphony. Work towards larger goals – how about that baby grand you’ve had your eye on? 

Even if you’ve made playing the piano top priority, sometimes to push through you need a little extra motivation. 

What do you do to stay motivated? 

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18 July 2020 Taking Up Piano Now Will Make You More Successful For Life

Taking Up Piano Now Will Make You More Successful For Life

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Thanks to staying in place, we’ve all started looking for new hobbies. If taking up the piano is on your new resolution list, congratulations. Piano playing isn’t just a great hobby, it can also make you more successful for life. 

That makes it a perfect hobby for you, your kids, for everyone in your family. 

If you dedicate time to playing the piano, you will master many things. 

Discipline

Have you ever sat down and played something simple like chopsticks? That’s the beauty of playing the piano – anyone can sit down and hit a few notes and create music. However, the more you practice, the more you play, the better you become. Practicing frequently can immediately start to show improvement in the way you play. And when you see it, hear it, it motivates you to do more. The only way to improve is by practicing. And when you dedicate to becoming better, you’ll learn the art of discipline. 

Time management

Which brings us to increasing your time management skills. We all have just twenty-four hours a day. If you commit to getting better at piano playing, you’ll have to fit practice time into your schedule. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to make time for what is truly important. As you hear yourself play better, feel more comfortable with the notes, you’ll have more desire to put a practice session on your calendar every day. 

Concentration

Have you found yourself scattered, not sure what to focus on? Maybe taking up piano will change your concentration skills. When you play the piano, you must focus on rhythm, pitch, tempo, hand positions, note changes, and several other things. It requires multi-tiered concentration levels to ensure everything is in place. The skills you learn from playing piano have been proven so worthy, kids do better with test taking skills, and musicians have the best chance of moving forward into medical school. 

Memory skills

That’s because playing piano fires off all your brain cells the moment you sit down to play. Piano stimulates your brain. Whether you’re listening to the greatest piano players of all time, or tickling the ivories yourself, your brain will thank you for it. 

And that’s a pretty good reason to take up the piano now, while you’re looking for new hobbies to start up for a lifetime of enjoyment. 

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14 July 2020 Can a 3 Year Old Learn To Play Piano?

Can a 3 Year Old Learn To Play Piano?

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We’ve all seen videos of young prodigies in action. A 5 year old swings a golf club and makes a hole in one. Or a 3 year old sits down at the piano and plays Bach perfectly. 

But is that reality? Can a 2 year old really learn to play the piano? Or are you setting them up for failure? 

People are naturally drawn to the piano. No matter who walks up to a keyboard – a one year old or a hundred year old – we all have the tendency to push the keys and plunk out a tune. It makes music, after all, and that can be an exciting thing. Especially when you start to hear a familiar tune. 

But pushing a few keys is different than taking lessons and practicing every day. 

The best age to start learning to play piano is somewhere between the ages of six and nine. That’s where concentration and focus start coming into play, making it easier to sit and learn. Of course, it ultimately depends on your child and what they are capable of. 

Physical characteristics

In a lot of cases, a small child simply doesn’t have hand size and coordination to play the piano. It takes a great deal of skill for finger independence and ability to sit down and play. Will the fingers stretch and move from key to key with ease? You can always adjust the bench to the proper height. But it is important for proper hand placement. 

Basic motor skills

The piano is a skill that takes a lifetime to master. Start too early and it leads to frustration. It’s important that your child has proper motor skills, and they can reach throughout the keys, playing with ease. They also need adequate strength to carry the arms up and down the keyboard, pushing down the keys. That’s why violins are often easier to start at earlier ages. 

Motivated

It’s important to have the proper attention span to sit down and play. Your child will learn much faster if they are truly motivated to play. Do they like producing music? Do they have favorite songs? Are they motivated to learn and do so willingly without constant prodding from you? 

Maturity 

Is your child motivated to sit for up to thirty minutes at a time? Can they follow simple instructions and be motivated and work toward successes? Do they understand that it takes time to build skill, and have motivation to work towards a goal? Your child will have more success if the desire is there to grow. 

Is your 3 year old ready to learn to play piano? 

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