Creative Piano Teaching Podcast

Shelly Davis has a mission. She wants to educate our piano parents so that everyone can get the most out of piano lessons. Even the non-musical families. With the Piano Parent Podcast, Shelly is giving parents the information they need to support their child’s musical education. But, why did she decide to take on this subject? And, why a podcast? Shelly’s own studio is pretty well-aligned to my own way of thinking. She believes not in creating concert pianists, but in fostering flexible piano skills with functional theory. She brings this down to earth and straight-forward approach to the Piano Parent Podcast as well. Take a listen to learn more about Shelly’s studio and her podcast, then go recommend her podcast to your piano parents. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $1o0 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * How Shelly uses the Circle of Fifths in her studio * Why she’s trying to work herself “out of a job” * Shelly’s motivation for starting a podcast for piano parents * The most downloaded episodes of the Piano Parent Podcast * The recording set-up Shelly uses * Shelly’s own favourite podcasts on music and business * Top tips for starting your own podcast Links Mentioned * The Piano Parent Podcast * Pat Flynn – Smart Passive Income * The Life Coach School Podcast by Brooke Castillo Podcast Video ` Get $100 off Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the  “Coupon Code” box:  TTTVPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Being a full-time teacher myself, I know how busy teachers are and how much time, effort and passion we put into our students. Sometimes, the last thing we want to do in our time off is listen to more piano teaching stuff! So, well done for using this time for self-improvement. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons. If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. Reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to show’s ranking and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally. Lastly, don’t forget to 

Young kids have wonderful imaginations for storytelling. It’s a big part of how they learn about the world and widen their vocabulary. So when it comes to music, why don’t we also make use of this gift? That’s exactly what Lyndel was thinking when she created the Play-a-Story curriculums. Inspired by her daughter, her resources allow beginning music students to explore the piano through play. If we allow our beginning students to learn in this exploratory way, we can foster creativity in young children and a lifelong love of music. By not teaching music reading for the first year, Lyndel creates students who don’t have to be told to add musicality and expression – it’s all baked into every piece for them. Lyndel’s passion for creativity in piano teaching is infectious and inspiring, you’re not going to want to miss this episode. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $100 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * What inspired Lyndel to create Play a Story * Why Lyndel doesn’t teach reading for the first 12 months * What being “musical” means to Lyndel * The simplest place to start with improvisation * How the Play a Story books unfold * How the curriculum works for the teacher * Ways to fit in improvisation after the initial stages Links Mentioned * Play-a-Story Website * About the Play-a-Story Philosophy * Introduction Video * The Musical Dress-up Corner Video * Key Theoretical Concepts Video * A Musical Life Cycle * Getting Started with Play-a-Story * Butterfly Hands * Your Window * Adventure * Cadence * The Expression Pedal *

Dennis Alexander didn’t train formally as a composer. He always wanted to teach, and that’s what he studied. He stumbled upon composing a little way into his teaching career, and boy are we glad he did! Dennis’s own teacher embraced his improvisations and flare for creativity. Had he had a different teacher growing up, we might not have his fantastic pieces on our shelves today. It’s no wonder that he believes in nurturing his own students’ creativity. It was inspiring to meet Dennis at NCKP 2015 and I’m delighted to have him on the podcast today. Take a listen to one of the foremost pedagogical composers. We’re talking about the importance of creativity, teaching composing and even getting an exclusive performance from the man himself. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * How Dennis Alexander got his start as a composer * The way creativity was approached in his own piano lessons * How you can get your students composing and improvising * Why Dennis loved to use the Clavinova in his teaching * The place of rote pieces in modern piano teaching * Dennis Alexander’s own composing process * Some of Dennis Alexander’s personal favourite compositions Links Mentioned * Dennis Alexander’s Website * Creative Composition Toolbox * Repertoire by Rote by Dennis Alexander & Amy Greer * Rhythm Roulette * Especially in Romantic Style (include ‘The Promise of Spring’) * A list of all Dennis Alexander’s Toccatas * NCKP 2017 Podcast Video This’s Month’s Sponsor Make More, Teach Less – The step-by-step online course for running Piano Summer Camps. Are you looking for step-by-step guidance for creating your own piano summer camps and workshops this year? Are you new to the whole summer camp thing and unsure of how to get started? Want someone to help you? If you’d like someone to guide you every step of the way from planning to financing to contracts, then this course will be perfect for you. I’m so excited to be announcing that my great blogging friend Jennifer Foxx has recently released her own training dedicated to helping teachers get started with their own summer camp programs. The course is called Make More, Teach Less and it will be the ultimate companion for anyone looking to start their own summer camp program. Featuring nine online video modules that you can follow at your own pace, Jennifer’s training will cover everything you need to know. Remember that the best thing about a course like this is that it will save you heaps of time and money and avoid you making all the mistakes that Jennifer made when she ran her first camps.

In the Inner Circle every so often we have ‘4-Week Challenges‘. In these challenges piano teachers set themselves goals to complete within a four week timeframe. This gives them accountability to the other teachers inside the community, and the motivation and support to achieve their goals. As many piano teachers are self-employed, this can really help to get things done with the encouragement of other teachers. Colin Young was the winner of the last 4-week challenge. Not only did he manage to stay away from chocolate, he also increased his student load by  800%. At the start of the challenge Colin just had one piano student. He now has 9 students, and a waiting list. The progress he has made during this time, as well as his engagement in the Inner Circle community in general is truly inspiring. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * What led Colin to piano teaching * Why Colin joined the Inner Circle * What the 4-week challenge is and how it’s structured * The biggest benefit Colin got from doing the 4-week challenge * Examples of goals teachers set for the challenge * Some key things to think about when starting a blog * How to get started with student recitals * How to approach getting to know a new piano method Links Mentioned * Colin’s Studio Website * TTTV028: Dalcroze Eurythmics with Paula Melville-Clark * Asana (productivity app) * Piano Pronto * Piano Safari * Upbeat Piano Teacher Webinars Podcast Video This’s Month’s Sponsor Make More, Teach Less – The step-by-step online course for running Piano Summer Camps. Are you looking for step-by-step guidance for creating your own piano summer camps and workshops this year? Are you new to the whole summer camp thing and unsure of how to get started? Want someone to help you? If you’d like someone to guide you every step of the way from planning to financing to contracts, then this course will be perfect for you. I’m so excited to be announcing that my great blogging friend Jennifer Foxx has recently released her own training dedicated to helping teachers get started with their own summer camp programs. The course is called Make More, Teach Less and it will be the ultimate companion for anyone looking to start their own summer camp program. Featuring nine online video modules that you can follow at your own pace, Jennifer’s training will cover everything you need to know. Remember that the best thing about a course like this is that it will save you heaps of time and money and avoid you making all the mistakes that Jennifer made when she ran her first camps. Do it right the first time and enjoy the extra income and benefits of a summer-time program for your students. Want to get $10 off the course today and grab some summer camp lesson plans? Just click the button below to find out how.

Irina Gorin is famous in the piano teaching world. Irina’s YouTube videos of her teaching have helped and inspired so many teachers, especially when it comes to teaching technique. Irina didn’t always feel so confident teaching beginners. When she first moved to the USA and used traditional method books, they always felt a bit…lacking. The five finger positions used in these method books didn’t set her students up for success at the piano. Tales of a Musical Journey is a unique piano method in many ways. Irina’s approach to technique, and narrative style is engaging and effective in teaching beginners. Her use of props helps young children connect to tension free piano playing. I hope today’s podcast will inspire you to think a little differently about how you teach your beginners. I know we can learn a great deal from Irina’s experience. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * What prompted Irina to get started on YouTube * They key difference Irina noticed between Ukraine and USA piano teaching * How Irina came to create her own method books * When music education should begin * How Irina assesses a child’s readiness for piano lessons * The piano parents’ role in Irina’s studio * How pre-reading fits into Irina’s philosophy of teaching beginners * Beginning improvisation tips and tricks Links Mentioned * Irina Gorin’s YouTube Channel * Tales of a Musical Journey * Tales of a Musical Journey Facebook Group * Piano Explorer Magazine * Noise Putty * Elastic Hair Band Podcast Video This’s Month’s Sponsor Make More, Teach Less – The step-by-step online course for running Piano Summer Camps. Are you looking for step-by-step guidance for creating your own piano summer camps and workshops this year? Are you new to the whole summer camp thing and unsure of how to get started? Want someone to help you? If you’d like someone to guide you every step of the way from planning to financing to contracts, then this course will be perfect for you. I’m so excited to be announcing that my great blogging friend Jennifer Foxx has recently released her own training dedicated to helping teachers get started with their own summer camp programs. The course is called Make More, Teach Less and it will be the ultimate companion for anyone looking to start their own summer camp program. Featuring nine online video modules that you can follow at your own pace, Jennifer’s training will cover everything you need to know. Remember that the best thing about a course like this is that it will save you heaps of time and money and avoid you making all the mistakes that Jennifer made when she ran her first camps. Do it right the first time and enjoy the extra income and benefits of a summer-time program for your students. Want to get $10 off the course today and grab some summer camp lesson plans?

Teaching an early childhood music education program can be a great addition to a piano studio. Not only is it an enriching teaching experience, but it makes business sense too. Young children are often able to attend classes during times you might not normally be able to fill. Plus graduates of your program can feed directly into your regular piano lessons. If you’re going to start an early childhood music class, it’s wise to have the strength of a great curriculum behind you. That way you know you’re doing something that works, and you can just focus on the teaching part. Ellen Johansen has been using MusikGarten for over 20 years, so when she says it works, she knows what she’s talking about! Ellen has found her MusikGarten students to be better readers and overall musicians. They naturally and instinctively improvise, sing and play with musicality. I’m so excited to have Ellen on today and share some of the wonderful examples of her MusikGarten teaching. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * The types of lessons in a MusikGarten studio * Why Ellen went in search of an alternative music teaching method * The benefits of the MusikGarten program * How MusikGarten creates well-rounded musicians * How a class with ages 0-3 looks and what the kids are learning * The biggest mistakes Ellen made when she was starting out * What the transition from music and movement to piano lessons looks like * How to train as a MusikGarten teacher and how you can use the materials Links Mentioned * Become a Musikgarten Teacher * Stephen Reen – Musikgarten teacher * TTTV048: Exploring MLT with Marilyn Lowe * Ellen’s Studio Website * The MusikGarten Teacher Blog * The Early Childhood Music and Movement Association Podcast Video This month’s sponsor Musikgarten prepares children to play the piano! Playing the piano, or any instrument, succeeds most quickly when the body, ear, and family are well-prepared. For both children and teachers, Musikgarten is the best preparation for playing an instrument. We offer a holistic, age- appropriate curricula designed specifically for the various stages of a child’s early years. Musikgarten’s sequential material begins with informal music making in our Birth to 3 ½ year old curricula Family Music for Babies and Toddlers and our 3 to 5 year old curricula The Cycle of Seasons. Here children sing, dance, move, and play simple instruments preparing their bodies and ears for the next step.

As a piano teacher, you probably consider music to be your area of expertise. But we also have to wear so many other hats as well. When a student with special needs walks into our studio, we need to understand their diagnosis so we can teach them better. Sometimes we can feel completely in over our heads here. We might not know anything about the diagnosis, what it means and how to these students learn best. That’s why I’m so excited to be unpacking autism with Lydia Meem today. Lydia is a clinical psychologist with lots of experience working with kids with autism. She has some really fun and helpful tools and tricks to share with us today, as well as fantastic insights into how to teach these students in a way that suits them. Jump in, I’m sure you’ll learn a lot, I know I did. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * How the diagnosis process for autism looks * Why parents sometimes don’t want to tell us about a dianosis their child has * What the ASD student profile sheet is and how you could use it * Useful visual tools for working with students with special needs * Why kids with autism often don’t make eye contact * How you can use textures to help kids connect to a piece * A trick for working on collapsing fingertips * How to give really clear instructions Today’s Free Download: Links Mentioned * Autism Understanding Favourite Resources * Autism and Music Teaching: Tips from a Clinical Psychologist * ASD Student Profile * TED Talk: How Austim Freed me to be Myself * TED Talk: Autism – What we know (and what we don’t know yet) * Positve Conversations for Explaining to a Child or Adolescent that they have Autism * Cognitive Development Assesment Checklist * Understanding Cognitive and Developmental Assesments * Autism Behaviours during Cognitive and Developmental Assessments Podcast Video This month’s sponsor This month’s sponsor is Noviscore, your new online sheet music resource. Noviscore‘s comprehensive music library has: * Up to 4 different skill levels for each song * Wide selection of music genres * Piano solo, piano accompaniment, 4 hands, arranger keyboard, solo instrument

When you’re teaching students with special needs, sometimes you need to stray off the beaten path a little. We need to learn how to teach each child, the way they need to learn. We need skills that will help us to reach students before we can teach them. Karen Nisenson is a music and art therapist, and a piano teacher. When working with piano students with special needs, she borrows some aspects of music therapy to connect to each child. She uses music, art and other unique approaches to give every child the opportunity to have a creative outlet. Karen has lots of great takeaways that you can use in your teaching straight away. If you have a student you’re struggling to connect with, this is the podcast for you. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * The goal of the Simply Music Gateway program * Why Karen started the Arts for Healing organisation * How feelings can be expressed similarly in visual art and music * What music therapy is and how it differs from music lessons * How teaching students with special needs can give you a new perspective * How unconventional techniques can transition to more traditional lessons * The role of improvisation in Karen’s teaching Links Mentioned * Arts for Healing * Simply Music Gateway * TTTV057: Measuring Success in Smiles Susan Bessette * The Inclusive Piano Teaching Blog Podcast Video This month’s sponsor This month’s sponsor is Noviscore, your new online sheet music resource. Noviscore‘s comprehensive music library has: * Up to 4 different skill levels for each song * Wide selection of music genres * Piano solo, piano accompaniment, 4 hands, arranger keyboard, solo instrument * Reading aids and fingering You can: * View on any device (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone) * Print from any computer or laptop * Rest assured that all music is 100% copyright legal Special OFFER: 30% off all our piano sheet music for Tim Topham members during September!! Please enter code TTSEPT at payment stage. Get $50 off Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $50 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the  “Coupon Code” box:  TTTVPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Being a full-time teacher myself, I know how busy teachers are and how much time,

Something we see time and time again, is that great teachers are lifelong learners. Great teachers never stop trying to better themselves, participating in various forms of professional development and continuing education. Today’s podcast is a little different. Paul Myatt and I will shortly be running teacher training events around Australia, so today we’re discussing professional development. We’re talking about why professional development matters for piano teachers, and also generally about our education philosophies. Paul and I are both big proponents of teaching differently, and we’re bringing you the best discoveries we’ve found from our own continuing education. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * How clear goals and mindset can set students up for success * How experiencing being a novice can benefit your teaching * Why I continually question the traditional teaching methods * What’s different about the events Paul and I are running * Why every teacher will be working at a digital piano at our events * Some of Paul’s favourite teaching tools for piano teachers from the Orff method Links Mentioned * Transform your Teaching Workshops * TTTV045: Using Orff to Teach Rhythm with Vashti Summervill * Orff Schulwerk * Weekly Timetable * YouTube Video of Paul Myatt’s student improvising Podcast Video This month’s sponsor This month’s sponsor is Noviscore, your new online sheet music resource. Noviscore‘s comprehensive music library has: * Up to 4 different skill levels for each song * Wide selection of music genres * Piano solo, piano accompaniment, 4 hands, arranger keyboard, solo instrument * Reading aids and fingering You can: * View on any device (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone) * Print from any computer or laptop * Rest assured that all music is 100% copyright legal Special OFFER: 30% off all our piano sheet music for Tim Topham members during September!! Please enter code TTSEPT at payment stage. Get $50 off Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $50 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the  “Coupon Code” box:  TTTVPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Being a full-time teacher myself, I know how busy teachers are and how much time,

Sometimes all it takes for a student to be successful in their piano lessons is for the teacher to reframe what success means. Not every student is going to be able to play Beethoven sonatas…which is why Susan Bessette is measuring success in smiles. After Susan retired from teaching in the prison system, she couldn’t resist the challenge of taking on a piano student with autism. As she took on more students with special needs, she searched around the web for resources for her students. She didn’t find anything and so she started making her own. Susan has learned a lot from teaching students with autism, down syndrome and traumatic brain injury. She’s got some great tips to share today that will make your teaching of students with special needs more effective. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * What prompted Susan to make her own curriculum for piano students with special needs * How her curriculum is set-up and who it’s for * Why you should stop talking so much and start demonstrating more * How Susan has learned control the volume of her voice for students with autism * Some surprising things that could distract students * How a kazoo saved one of Susan’s students from frustration * Why you might need to work away from the piano more often * How students can be unlocked by the simplest activity Links Mentioned * Susan’s Method for Student’s with Special Needs * I Can Do It Piano Book Podcast Video   This month’s sponsor This month’s sponsor is Noviscore, your new online sheet music resource. Noviscore‘s comprehensive music library has: * Up to 4 different skill levels for each song * Wide selection of music genres * Piano solo, piano accompaniment, 4 hands, arranger keyboard, solo instrument * Reading aids and fingering You can: * View on any device (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone) * Print from any computer or laptop * Rest assured that all music is 100% copyright legal Special OFFER: 30% off all our piano sheet music for Tim Topham members during September!! Please enter code TTSEPT at payment stage. Get $50 off Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $50 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the  “Coupon Code” box:  TTTVPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Being a full-time teacher myself, I know how busy teachers are and how much time, effort and passion we put into our students. Sometimes, the last thing we want to do in our time off is listen to more piano teaching stuff! So,

Teaching students with special needs can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it has its challenges. If you’ve been approached by a parent of a child with special needs, you may have been too intimidated to take them on. You may have felt that you weren’t prepared or qualified to deal with their unique learning style. Well, Dr. Scott Price is on the podcast today to help prepare you to teach any child that comes your way by responding to each student’s needs. Dr Price’s journey into teaching students with special needs started with one very special student and grew from there. He has gone on to teach plenty of students with autism, ADHD, visual impairments and hearing impairments. He keeps careful notes on the triggers and routines of each of his students so that he can tailor his teaching to suit each individual. Parents turn to Scott for his ability to adapt his teaching to suit their child, and I think we can all learn a lot from his approach to teaching students with special needs. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * How Scott got started teaching students with special needs * Some of the ways Scott has adapted his teaching for different students * The typical outcomes from these piano lessons * The unexpected effects piano playing has in other areas for students with special needs * What you should do in a first lesson/interview with a student with special needs * Some of the terminology around autism and the autistic spectrum * The social expectations you need to set out for students with autism * What practice looks like for Scott’s piano students Links Mentioned * Inclusive Piano Teaching Blog * NCKP 2017 Podcast Video This month’s sponsor This month’s sponsor is Noviscore, your new online sheet music resource. Noviscore‘s comprehensive music library has: * Up to 4 different skill levels for each song * Wide selection of music genres * Piano solo, piano accompaniment, 4 hands, arranger keyboard, solo instrument * Reading aids and fingering You can: * View on any device (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone) * Print from any computer or laptop * Rest assured that all music is 100% copyright legal Special OFFER: 30% off all our piano sheet music for Tim Topham members during September!! Please enter code TTSEPT at payment stage. Get $50 off Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $50 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the  “Coupon Code” box:  TTTVPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today,

Have you thought about teaching students via Skype who are overseas? Imagine being able to teach students when you can’t teach students in your own studio, ie during school, early morning or late in the evening. Teaching overseas students does come with some important things to think about. Sarah gives us some great food for thought in this episode explaining that we have to think outside our own cultural experiences and be aware of the cultural differences of other nationalities and religions. As well as cultural differences you’ll need to think about: * Time zones – what time is it where your students are? And how to time table table that. Try using World Time Buddy to work out times when you and your potential student are available. * Holiday times in the other country. Be aware that some countries don’t celebrate Christian holidays, so you’ll need to ask your student for their vacation and holiday timetable in advance. * Christmas Carols and other holidays songs – remember overseas students may not be Christians, so they may not celebrate Christmas. Be aware of this, to avoid cultural issues. Using Internet MIDI see Episode 53 and for other beginner tech ideas relook at Episode 52. Here’s a great video of how Internet MIDI works: [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6yljQlvc2E[/embedyt] Sarah Lyngra’s extraordinary jouney across many continents will give you some great ideas on how to start your own Skype teaching program. More information is available from her website: www.teachpianoonline.com. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * How Sarah got started with online teaching. * How to get students for online lessons from overseas * How to make sure the resources you need are available * How to be culturally aware Links Mentioned * Sarah’s website * PayPal * World Time Buddy * Screen Flow Podcast Video This month’s sponsor SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Melody has just dropped the price of her program to $US30. Get in quickly – this is only available until the end of August. Click the link or image below.   Does the idea of teaching online music lessons seem a bit daunting? Do you know what equipment and technology you need to teach a successful online lesson? Do you know how to set up and use your equipment? What about finding students? Or getting paid? Or setting up your policy? Or knowing which activities can be successful in an online lesson? Are there specific teaching tips you should use for online lessons? How about pros and cons of online teaching? Or troubleshooting when something goes wrong? Do you ever think, “I could never teach on Skype because I’m afraid of using technology during piano le...

Have you ever considered sharing your talents to a wider audience than just your students? Would you like to make some extra income on the side while you sleep? Today’s episode is all about taking the idea of teaching online to another level by teaching large groups of people online and then offering a back catalogue of recorded lessons for people to download. In fact, my guest today brings in around $60,000 each year in addition to his other jobs, just by offering online lessons to people around the world. The best thing is, anyone can do it! Online lessons to large groups can be created using free software like Google Hangouts (which, incidentally is what I use for my webinars), with a simple mic and camera and not a whole lot of tech know-how (please see Episode 53 and Episode 52 for beginner tech ideas). Mike Verta has taken online learning to a next level. He has shared his skills to many many people and when he teaches his sessions are honestly providing genuine assistance to all his students in his live sessions. He has lots of experience in creating and presenting amazing sessions. While Mike explains his pretty complex setup, don’t be intimidated by feeling you have to create something quite as impressive as this when you’re starting. As a teacher you will be able to learn a heap of things by watching one or two of Mike’s free videos. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * How Mike got started with online teaching * How to build an audience for online lessons * What you need to take your online teaching to the next level * How to make sure the resources you need are available * How you can supplement your income using online teaching * How to teach large groups online * How to create passive income from your online lesson folio Links Mentioned * Wirecast by Telestream * Mike Verta’s website (currently being updated) * Mike’s YouTube Channel * WooCommerce Plugin for WordPress Podcast Video This month’s sponsor Does the idea of teaching online music lessons seem a bit daunting? Do you know what equipment and technology you need to teach a successful online lesson? Do you know how to set up and use your equipment? What about finding students? Or getting paid? Or setting up your policy? Or knowing which activities can be successful in an online lesson? Are there specific teaching tips you should use for online lessons? How about pros and cons of online teaching? Or troubleshooting when something goes wrong? Do you ever think, “I could never teach on Skype because I’m afraid of using technology during piano lessons” or “I w...

This week on the podcast we’re talking next level online lessons with Mr. Technology himself, Mario Ajero. If you’re ready to make your online lessons even more effective with some super clever tech, Mario’s your guy. Mario was a pioneer in the early days of music teaching technology. He has tried and tested the best of these tools to enhance his own classroom and online teaching. Today we’re looking at some fantastic ideas to improve your setup for online lessons. Using apps & extra video cameras you can make online lessons even better than in person traditional lessons. Getting to see all this tech set up and working smoothly is really inspiring. I strongly recommend watching the video for this one if you can, it’s great to see this stuff in action. If you’re looking for how to get started with the least amount of time and money, you might want to listen to last week’s episode with Melody Payne before this one. Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * What inspired Mario to get started with music technology * How Mario uses flipped learning in his piano classes * How internet midi can be used in Skype teaching * What you need to use the internet midi * How classroom maestro works and what you could use it for * What you need to set up an overhead video view * Some possible applications for tech set-up for online lessons Links Mentioned * Mario’s YouTube channel * How to Create Piano Lessons Videos with Screenflow & Classroom Maestro * Internet MIDI Demo Video * Internet MIDI by TimeWarp Technology * Classroom Maestro by TimeWarp Technology * CamTwist * Logitech C920 * Camera thread adapter for mic stand * SuperScore iPad app * On-Stage Boom Mic Stand * Wireless Midi Interface Podcast Video This month’s sponsor Does the idea of teaching online music lessons seem a bit daunting? Do you know what equipment and technology you need to teach a successful online lesson? Do you know how to set up and use your equipment? What about finding students? Or getting paid? Or setting up your policy? Or knowing which activities can be successful in an online lesson?

Have you ever considered teaching Skype lessons? Teaching piano online can be a fantastic way to fill daytime teaching hours, or a solution for snow days and other emergencies. It can be intimidating though. You may feel like you would need a ton of technology and gadgets to do it effectively. Not necessarily so! You don’t need to break the bank, or completely change the way you teach to start teaching online.  It’s easy to get started with just a minimum of equipment and time. I’ve invited Melody Payne onto the podcast today to share her tips for getting started stressfree and on a budget. Melody started teaching Skype lessons about four years ago, and has seen it work just as well as in studio lessons. Melody has some great advice that can get you teaching online right away, tune in to find out what you need to get started! Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today.  In this episode, you’ll learn * How Melody got started with skype piano teaching * The biggest advantage of online lessons * The biggest drawback of online lessons * What you need to get started * The hardest part about teaching online * How the parent can help in online piano teaching * How to make sure the resources you need are available Links Mentioned * Melody’s website * Melody’s Piano Studio on Facebook * Logitech C920 Webcam * iReal Pro iPad app * Best iPad Apps for Piano Teachers * Prima Music Podcast Video This month’s sponsor Does the idea of teaching online music lessons seem a bit daunting? Do you know what equipment and technology you need to teach a successful online lesson? Do you know how to set up and use your equipment? What about finding students? Or getting paid? Or setting up your policy? Or knowing which activities can be successful in an online lesson? Are there specific teaching tips you should use for online lessons? How about pros and cons of online teaching? Or troubleshooting when something goes wrong? Do you ever think, “I could never teach on Skype because I’m afraid of using technology during piano lessons” or “I wish I could stop teaching so many makeup lessons”, or “I’m moving soon and I don’t want to leave all of my students behind!” or “I wish I had more students to fill the rest of my teaching schedule” …. then these videos are just what you have been looking for! Put your fears behind you and learn to be a successful and confident online teacher with the step-by-step information included in my training video series, “Learn to Teach Music Lessons on Skype”. Learn what equipment you will need, where to purchase it, how to set it up, the pros and cons of online lessons, how to teach an online lesson, and much more in this 85-minute training session.