Creative Piano Teaching Podcast

Performance anxiety Most piano teachers encourage their students to perform as regularly as possible, but how many of us give our students strategies for coping with performance anxiety? We’ve all seen students who were perfectly prepared for a recital or exam, simply crumble on the day. It wasn’t a lack of ability, or drive, but simply that performance anxiety got to them. Some nerves are to be expected for any big performance, but we need to stop nerves from turning into anxiety. This is where Dr Noa Kageyama comes in. Noa runs a fantastic blog, The Bulletproof Musician, about performance anxiety and performing at your best. I’m so excited to have Noa on the show today, and I know you’ll all get a lot out of his expertise and insights into the “mind game” of music performance. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why teaching performing skills should be a part of your piano teaching * Visualisation exercises you can do even with your youngest students * How to turn off self-criticism when performing * How you can help your students to focus during their performance * What diaphragmatic breathing is and why you should be teaching it * How to practice the lead up to a performance Items mentioned in this podcast: * The Bulletproof Musician * Beyond Practicing Course * Why Practicing While Distracted Is Actually Very Important (Sometimes) * A Simple Technique to Prevent Choking Under Pressure * Your Brain Isn’t Wired for Consistency * Make it Stick the Science of Successful Learning 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 subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live. How do you help your students cope with performing? Do you have any other strategies that Noa didn’t mention? Something that has helped you in your own performances?

We hear reports every day about how technology is changing the world, for better and for worse, but what is technology doing for music education? I’m sure there are plenty of teachers out there who have yet to try bringing any kind of tech into their music lessons. After all, what if what you’ve done for the last 20 years is working, why should you change it now? If you use technology right, it should enhance the way you already teach, not change it. Whether you simply ask your student to record something they need to remember, take a photo of a hand position or practice their sight singing with the Aural Trainer, there’s always a simple way for you to jump in. Apps and software can be invaluable additions to your teaching, and create “flipped” learning. When you flip the learning, you don’t have to spend time teaching something you have already taught, saving you valuable lesson time (something I know we all struggle with!). Simon has tons of great ideas to share with us, and I hope today’s podcast will inspire you to try out something new this week. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to utilise “flipped” learning * Why you should consider incorporating technology in your teaching * How to make sure technology supports your own teaching style * How to make use of students’ smartphones to record parts of the lesson * How to get kids started composing their own pieces * The best apps to encourage student creativity and composition * How to get started if you haven’t used technology for teaching before Items mentioned in this podcast: * Kahoot! * Garageband * Logic * TTTV001: Student Composition Tactics with Daniel McFarlane * ABRSM Aural Trainer apps * Note Perfect! * Ear Trainer * Madpad * Everyday Looper * GrooveMaker * Billy Joel and Jimmy Fallon form 2 man doo-wop group using iPad * ForScore * Speed Shifter * Practice Partner * Melody Writer Today’s sponsor: ABRSM   The exam board ABRSM have created a range of useful d...

In part four of the exam focus series, I’m talking with Abe Cytrynowski about technical work & general knowledge. Abe is passionate about scales. Yes, you read that correctly! Often, scales can make both student and teacher eyes glaze over. Scales are done on autopilot, the muscle memory takes over and students are barely aware of what they’re playing. In order to break out of this scale rut, we need to do something other than ask our students to play their G major scale again. Abe asks his students to play scales in so many different ways, that they have no choice but to engage with their technical work. Take a listen to today’s podcast and revitalise your teaching of general knowledge and technical work. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to make general knowledge an integrated part of your teaching * Why general knowledge is an invaluable part of your teaching * How to turn off “scales autopilot” and get students engaged with their technical work * How to make scales fun and interesting for you and your students Items mentioned in this podcast: * How to Blitz! General Knowledge * Pictorial Patterns for Keyboard Scales and Chords by Margaret Brandman * Scalecard Facebook page * Decide Now app Some of Abe’s Scale Tricks * Play with one finger * Playing in rhythms * Using accents in different places * Playing in blocks or “clusters” * Different articulations in each hand * Different dynamics for each hand * Playing with eye’s closed * Crossed hands * Asking questions about the scale before they begin >>See below for a free cheat sheet of all Abe’s great ideas<< Today’s download: Today’s sponsor: ABRSM   The exam board ABRSM have created a range of useful digital learning tools which help make music practice more engaging. Whether you’re looking to slow down recordings on your tablet, encourage your students to practice for aural tests more effectively, or help them learn to write melodies, ABRSM have a collection of mobile and web apps which you’re sure to find useful for you and your students. * You may have heard of Speedshifter? It slows down any recording you may have on your tablet without altering the pitch. * The award-winning Aural Trainer which I previously mentioned is now available for Grades 1 to 5 and Grades 6 to 8. * Melody Writer is a free online tool and develops musical theory knowledge and understanding. * And if your students are learning to play the ABRSM exam pieces, Piano Practice Partner and Violin Practice Partner, are fantastic tools designed to make their practice sessions more fun and engaging. Check them out today – you can find more information about all of them at www.abrsm.org/apps 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...

In the third podcast of the exam series, I’m joined by Sam Coates to discuss everything but the pieces. Sam Coates is the author of the ‘BlitzBooks‘ series which blitz through sight reading & theory, and I’m so excited to have her share her tips and tricks for teaching sight reading and aural skills. Sight reading & aural tests make up a small portion of the marks in most exam systems, but they can cause a lot of stress for some students. Many students want to spend all their time working on their pieces, and don’t see the value in sight reading. However, any accompanist or church pianist will tell you that sight reading is one of the most valuable skills you can possibly develop as a pianist. Aural tests can similarly cause anxiety if they’re not prepared for fully. The singing portion can be especially troublesome for a shy or embarrassed student. Sam has some great suggestions for dealing with these self confidence issues by starting from music that the student is already familiar with, and working out from there. Whether or not you have students preparing for exams, I think you’ll really enjoy today’s discussion on these crucial musical skills. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why you should be making sight-reading a priority * What makes someone a good sight-reader * How to convince your students that correct rhythm is more important than correct notes * How to use an integrated approach to aural skills * Why you should start ear-training from the repertoire Items mentioned in this podcast: * Blitz books * Improve Your Sight-reading! Duets * Aural Survey * Overview of Aural Survey Results * AuralBook apps * TTTV009: Paul Harris on Simultaneous Learning * Aural Skills in Exams (Sam’s blog) * TTTV004: Holistic Sight Reading Today’s sponsor: ABRSM Are your students struggling with their aural skills? ABRSM is an exam board that supports the teaching and learning of music in partnership with the Royal Schools of Music. Its award-winning Aural Trainer app for iOS devices offers an exciting way for students to practise their aural skills. Through a series of interactive challenges, pupils can learn to identify and describe musical features and differences quickly and accurately. They can gain feedback on their answers and keep track of improvements. Students can practise exercises in any order, as often or as little as they’d like, anytime and anywhere. Aural Trainer covers all of the elements of ABRSM’s aural tests for their Grades 1 to 8 exams, including sight–singing and echo tests. There are two versions of the app: Aural Trainer 1 to 5, and Aural Trainer 6 to 8 which is new! Free copies of each app are available to download so y...

This is the second in a series of podcasts taking a look piano exams. Today I’m talking with Tim Arnold about the most global music exam board, the ‘Associated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music‘. ABRSM is the UK’s largest music education body, one of its largest music publishers and the world’s leading provider of music exams, offering assessments to more than 630,000 candidates in 93 countries every year.  One of the things that the ABRSM strives for is consistency in their exams, no matter where you happen to take them. Their examiners participate in ongoing professional development and are assessed regularly to ensure the standard is maintained. ABRSM also creates some fantastic teaching apps and resources, and provides scholarships every year to college students. Take a listen to today’s podcast to learn all about the ABRSM, what they do, and how you can better prepare students for piano exams. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How the ABRSM ensures absolute consistency in their exams * The structure of exams with the ABRSM * An overview of the marking criteria used in ABRSM exams * The ethos behind the grade 5 theory requirement for the grade 6 examinations * Why the syllabus changes every two years * How to apply for an ABRSM scholarship * The diploma structure at ABRSM Items mentioned in this podcast: * ABRSM * On Your Marks (let’s you try to mark an exam yourself and see how accurate you were) Today’s sponsor: ABRSM Are your students struggling with their aural skills? ABRSM is an exam board that supports the teaching and learning of music in partnership with the Royal Schools of Music. Its award-winning Aural Trainer app for iOS devices offers an exciting way for students to practise their aural skills. Through a series of interactive challenges, pupils can learn to identify and describe musical features and differences quickly and accurately. They can gain feedback on their answers and keep track of improvements. Students can practise exercises in any order, as often or as little as they’d like, anytime and anywhere. Aural Trainer covers all of the elements of ABRSM’s aural tests for their Grades 1 to 8 exams, including sight–singing and echo tests. There are two versions of the app: Aural Trainer 1 to 5, and Aural Trainer 6 to 8 which is new! Free copies of each app are available to download so you can try a few exercises before you upgrade. ABRSM offers a whole suite of digital resources to develop general musical skills and knowledge and help with exam preparation. To find out more, head over to www.abrsm.org/tim. 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 

This is the first in a multi-part series taking a look at the main exam boards around the world. Piano exams play a big role in piano teaching in many countries. Even if you’re in country where exams are less popular, there’s a lot to be learned by looking at the different exam boards and how they structure their assessments. This first episode looks at the ANZCA piano exams, with our guest, Tony Betros. ANZCA piano exams take a unique, flexible and modern approach to formal assessments. As well as classical piano exams, they also offer a modern piano syllabus which includes improvisation and allows the use of backing tracks, and a performance only exam option. On top of that they also offer a duet syllabus, and a keyboard syllabus. One of the fantastic elements of their exams is their option of one “free choice” piece. This allows the student and teacher together to choose any other piece that’s at an appropriate level for the grade, even if that’s one they’ve composed themselves! Whether you use an exam system or not, I really think you’ll get a lot out of today’s podcast! In this episode, you’ll learn: * The focus of the ANZCA examinations * How it differs from other exam systems * The process of becoming an examiner * What’s involved in the diploma level exams with ANZCA * How ANZCA ensures the exam experience is a positive one for students Items mentioned in this podcast: * ANZCA * ANZCA syllabus * ANZCA YouTube channel * ANZCA Facebook page * TTTV002 with Christopher Norton * Is the iPad killing piano memorization Special offers for today’s listeners: Type ‘TT’ in the promo code box when ordering from the ANZCA website for 20% off your order. This offer is valid for 2 weeks only, so get it quick! Australian and New Zealand teachers can also get a free teacher starter pack by emailing  admin@anzca.com. 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 subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live. Did the ANZCA’s modern approach to piano exams intrigue you? Was there anything about their system that surprised you?

I’ve always been interested in the concept of motivation. What actually motivates us to do what we do and in particular, what motivations are there to continually improve our teaching? Do you participate in professional development? Do you spend some of your precious free time reading blogs, participating in facebook groups or listening to podcasts like this one? What motivates you to continue your own education? Personally, I think that trying out new ideas and continuing to learn as we teach is what makes our profession exciting. When we are trying out fresh approaches to teaching (even if they don’t always work out!), it makes us better teachers. Apart from lessons being more interesting for students because of the greater variety in their lessons; lessons become more stimulating for students because we’re excited. When you’re enthusiastic as a teacher, your students are much more likely to feel that enthusiasm too. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why I think teachers should always be learning * How to implement new ideas in a way that isn’t overwhelming * Some different opportunities for professional development * How to not become complacent in your piano teaching Items mentioned in this podcast: * Teaching Pop Piano Course * What is the legal minimum requirement for piano teachers’ professional development? * 5 Steps to Avoiding a Piano Teaching Rut * The Blessing of Professional Development “Tithing” Action Steps: * Think about why you listen to this podcast and what you want to get out of it * Take one idea from any recent podcast and try it out with one student this week 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 subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live. So, what motivates you? What drives you to move forward? Is it trying to stay ahead of the competition? Or a love of learning? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. I’ve always been interested in the concept of motivation. What actually motivates us to do what we do and in particular, what motivations are there to continually improve our teaching?...

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the online world? Are you hearing conflicting advice about where to start? Joy Morin is here to make it easy for you to harness the power of the internet, without letting it take over your life. There are simple ways of being online, and using the fantastic tools available. It doesn’t have to be difficult, and it can be extremely effective. Although in many ways piano teaching is one of the most traditional professions, it is rapidly developing and expanding in the technology age. We can use the internet not only to market to potential students and grow our business, but also to stay connected with other teachers around the world. There’s a rapidly growing community of piano teachers out there, ready to support, inspire and engage with you. So take a listen to today’s podcast and get ready to jump in (or just dip a toe if that’s all you’re ready for)! Are you enjoying these podcasts? I’d love for you to leave a podcast review. Find out how easy it is here. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to make sure you’re productive when you’re online, not just overwhelmed * Why you need a website for your piano studio * The difference between a studio website and a piano teaching blog * How to give your piano parents a little push to like your facebook page * Some ideas for using YouTube in piano lessons * The most important places for piano teachers to be on the internet Items mentioned in this podcast: * Joy’s blog Color in my Piano * Some of Joy’s favourite blogs: * Music Matters blog * Susan Paradis * Compose Create * Teach Piano Today * Diane Hidy * Elissa Milne * Australasian Piano Teachers (facebook group) * Piano Teacher Funmakers (facebook group) * Irina Gorin’s YouTube channel * Weebly * Seth Godin’s marketing books * So You Want to Start a Blog (a series of articles on Joy’s site) Today’s free download Today’s Sponsor: AirTurn Looking for the best Bluetooth page turner on the market? Check out the PED by AirTurn, the company that I recommend teachers, students and performers turn to (excuse the pun) for iPad page turning accessories. The PED is the latest in page-turning technology for iPads featuring a sleek, lightweight design that is easy to set up and 100% reliable. Check out the video. AirTurn doesn’t just manufacture the best Bluetooth page turners, it also creates mic and iPad stands, remote controls, books and associated software, all designed to make it easy for musicians to do what they’re best at: make music. To find out more and see latest AirTurn offers for Tim Topham podcast listener...

Do you teach students online? Have you been thinking about starting? Did you know there are actually four ways that you can teach and learn music online and that Skype isn’t necessarily the best option? In today’s podcast episode, Hugh Sung talks about the innovative methods he uses to teach in this digital age. By reviewing videos that a student has recorded, Hugh is able to notice the tiny details that he may have missed in real-time. This style of teaching where the student and teacher are not working in real-time with each other is called asynchronous pedagogy. Hugh’s style of teaching allows him to teach students from across the globe, and I think there are elements of his method that we could take on for students sitting in front of us as well. Is this the future of music pedagogy? Take a listen to today’s podcast and let us know what you think below. Are you enjoying these podcasts? I’d love for you to leave a podcast review. Find out how easy it is here. In this episode, you’ll learn: * What “asynchronous pedagogy” is and why it’s worth considering * How to use video recording effectively in your teaching * How to get started teaching online * Hugh’s favourite iPad apps * Tips for getting found online Items mentioned in this podcast: * Hugh’s website * Hugh’s teaching studio website * ForScore iPad app * Coach’s Eye iPad app * ‘From Paper to Pixels’ by Hugh Sung * 4 Ways to Learn Music Online * 3 Ways in which Video Exchange Lessons are Better than Live Ones Today’s Sponsor: AirTurn Looking for the best Bluetooth page turner on the market? Check out the PED by AirTurn, the company that I recommend teachers, students and performers turn to (excuse the pun) for iPad page turning accessories. The PED is the latest in page-turning technology for iPads featuring a sleek, lightweight design that is easy to set up and 100% reliable. Check out the video. AirTurn doesn’t just manufacture the best Bluetooth page turners, it also creates mic and iPad stands, remote controls, books and associated software, all designed to make it easy for musicians to do what they’re best at: make music. To find out more and see latest AirTurn offers for Tim Topham podcast listeners, head to timtopham.com/airturn. Have you taught online lessons? How did they go? What did you use? Did you miss not being able to be present with the student? Let us know by leaving your thoughts below. Do you teach students online? Have you been thinking about starting? Did you know there are actually four ways that you can teach and learn music online and that Skype isn’t necessarily the best option? In today’s podcast episode, Hugh Sung talks about the innovative methods he uses to teach in this digital age. By reviewing videos that a student has recorded,

Do you want to make your recitals more exciting? Do you wish that your piano parents looked forward to your recitals? Do you want your students to feel as confident and comfortable on stage as they do in the practice room? Well then today’s podcast episode is for you! We all want our students to become well-rounded musicians. So why only organise traditional classical recitals once a year? Kristin Yost has some amazing, inspirational piano events in her studio; and I’m so excited she’s taken the time to share some of her ideas with you. From pop piano showcases, to collaborative events with other art forms, to student only performance opportunities…the list goes on! Take a listen to today’s episode and start planning some amazing concerts in your studio this year! Are you enjoying these podcasts? I’d love for you to leave a podcast review. Find out how easy it is here. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why you should be rethinking how you organise recitals * What “arts fusion” is, and how you could integrate the other arts in your concerts * How you can get even your absolute beginners involved in a pop showcase * Some great ideas for themed recitals * How to fund your student recitals * Where to look for great venues * How to make recitals more relaxed and fun for your students Items mentioned in this podcast: * Kristin’s studio ‘Centre for Musical Minds’ * Kristin’s personal website * Kristin’s book ‘How I Made $100,000 My First Year as a Piano Teacher’ * Hal Leonard ‘Pop Piano Hits’ * Piano Flix ‘Teaching Pop Piano’ * David Cutler’s website * David Cutler’s book: The Savvy Musician * Super Metronome Groovebox (iPad app) Today’s free download: Today’s Sponsor: AirTurn Looking for the best Bluetooth page turner on the market? Check out the PED by AirTurn, the company that I recommend teachers, students and performers turn to (excuse the pun) for iPad page turning accessories. The PED is the latest in page-turning technology for iPads featuring a sleek, lightweight design that is easy to set up and 100% reliable. Check out the video. AirTurn doesn’t just manufacture the best Bluetooth page turners, it also creates mic and iPad stands, remote controls, books and associated software, all designed to make it easy for musicians to do what they’re best at: make music. To find out more and see latest AirTurn offers for Tim Topham podcast listeners,

Ever wondered what it’s like to attend the biggest piano teaching conference in the world? Want to find out why I travelled for 20 hours in a thin metal cylinder at 35,000 feet just to attend a professional development event? Interested in what I took away from the event this year? Looking for the notes and slides from my presentation? Today’s episode is my first solo podcast (let me know what you think) and it’s all about my time at the NCKP. In this episode, I answer all the above questions and give you a presenter’s view of the biggest piano teaching conference in the world.  PS. This is a great episode to watch parts of on YouTube as I include video footage from the event. See link below to watch. To put it simply, this was one of the best professional development events that I’ve been to and I wanted to podcast about it to encourage as many members of my community to think about attending as possible in the future. I also want to encourage everyone to prioritise attending live teacher training events in their areas as much as possible as there is something tangible about getting together face-to-face with a room full of like-minded people that is incredibly inspirational and leaves you feeling less isolated and more motivated. As usual, I’ve got a free download for you today [link below]. I’ve put together a quick checklist of links that you’ll find useful if you want to find out more about things that went on at the conference. Are you enjoying these podcasts? I’d love for you to leave a podcast review. Find out how easy it is here. In this episode, you’ll learn: * What it’s like to be at the NCKP, the kinds of people you’ll meet, the venue and the content * The two overarching themes of the conference this year and why this is important for all teachers * Why teaching is changing and how to get on board * Bradley Sowash’s method for teaching students using chords * Why teaching pop music is important for your studio and your students * My future webinar about teaching pop music * The content of one of the best keynote speeches I’ve heard * The order of development of music and language skills * The flipped music studio Items mentioned in this podcast: * The Conference Booklet (timetable, speakers, details, etc.) * Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk on creativity * My NCKP Presentation Slides and Links * Kristin Yost’s website (and lots of free downloads for studio business) * Using YouTube to flip the studio Today’s free download (click image to open): Today’s Sponsor: AirTurn Looking for the best Bluetooth page turner on the market? Check out the PED by AirTurn, the company that I recommend teachers, students and performers turn to (excuse the pun) for iPad page turning accessories. The PED is the latest in page-turning technology for iPads featuring a sleek, lightweight design that is easy to set up and 100% reliable. Check out the video. AirTurn doesn’t just manufacture the best Bluetooth page turners,

Teaching our students how to practice is one of the most important things we can teach them. After all, students only spend 30 – 6o minutes a week with us, that’s only about 1% of their week! So we’re really leaving most of our student’s progress up to them. But how do we know what’s happening in the practice room? How can we stop them from wasting that oh so precious practice time? I’m so excited to welcome Graham Fitch to the podcast today. Graham writes a fantastic blog and ebooks all about practicing the piano, and has some fantastic, innovative practice methods. Take a listen to today’s podcast for a whole host of practice strategies that you can start teaching students tomorrow! In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to get students to think about their practicing habits * When and if to use a metronome * How to use lesson time to teach student’s how to fix a problem, not just that there is a problem * Why you should put sections in “quarantine” * How to fix lumpy and bumpy fingering passages * Using the “3 S’s” to get back to basics Items mentioned in this podcast: * Graham’s blog Practising the Piano * Graham’s eBook series (make sure to check out the offer code below for 20% off) * Blog post What I’ve learnt from asking more questions in music lessons * The Pianist magazine YouTube channel Watch the interview here: Today’s free download: How do you teach practising? Do you teach your students how to practise? How do you go about it? What one idea from today’s podcast are you going to apply in your teaching straight away? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! Teaching our students how to practice is one of the most important things we can teach them. After all, students only spend 30 – 6o minutes a week with us, that’s only about 1% of their week! So we’re really leaving most of our student’s progress up to them. But how do we know what’s happening in the practice room? How can we stop them from wasting that oh so precious practice time? I’m so excited to welcome Graham Fitch to the podcast today. Graham writes a fantastic blog and ebooks all about practicing the piano, and has some fantastic, innovative practice methods. Take a listen to today’s podcast for a whole host of practice strategies that you can start teaching students tomorrow! In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to get students to think about their practicing habits * When and if to use a metronome * How to use lesson time to teach student’s how to fix a problem, not just that there is a problem * Why you should put sections in “quarantine” * How to fix lumpy and bumpy fingering passages * Using the “3 S’s” to get back to basics Items mentioned in this podcast: * Graham’s blog Practising the Piano *

Have you ever wondered how you can possibly fit everything you need to into a 30 minute lesson? There’s just so much ground to cover with scales, pieces, sight-reading, theory, improvisation, composing…the list just seems to go on, and on. Paul Harris has a fantastic way of looking at lesson structure. His simultaneous learning method flips traditional piano teaching on its head, getting students understanding all the elements of a new piece before they ever look at the music. With simultaneous learning, all the elements of piano playing can be integrated and relevant to a piece the student is working on. Take a listen to today’s podcast episode and learn how you can enrich the piano lesson experience for both you and your students! In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to start teaching a new piece without even opening the score…and why you should * How to get students to improvise on just one note * Tips for preparing students to play in foreign keys with more flats/sharps than they’re used to * How to split a piece into manageable “ingredients” * Whether getting students to write music is valuable * How to get students to gain a really secure sense of pulse * How to introduce listening assignments Items mentioned in this podcast: * Paul Harris’s website * Paul Harris on Faber Music’s website * Improve Your Sight Reading Duets * The Practice Process * The Complete Practice Workbook Today’s free download: What do you think about Simultaneous Learning? Do you like the idea of this approach to teaching piano? Do you think it would help your students to learn this way? Have you already been trying out these ideas? Leave your thoughts below and if you have any questions for Paul, please ask away! Have you ever wondered how you can possibly fit everything you need to into a 30 minute lesson? There’s just so much ground to cover with scales, pieces, sight-reading, theory, improvisation, composing…the list just seems to go on, and on. Paul Harris has a fantastic way of looking at lesson structure. His simultaneous learning method flips traditional piano teaching on its head, getting students understanding all the elements of a new piece before they ever look at the music. With simultaneous learning, all the elements of piano playing can be integrated and relevant to a piece the student is working on. Take a listen to today’s podcast episode and learn how you can enrich the piano lesson experience for both you and your students! In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to start teaching a new piece without even opening the score…and why you should * How to get students to improvise on just one note * Tips for preparing students to play in foreign keys with more flats/sharps than they’re used to * How to split a piece into manageable “ingredients” * Whether getting students to write music is valuable * How to get students to gain a really secure sense of pulse * How to introduce listening assignments Items mentioned in this podcast: * Paul Harris...

Have you ever taught a student with special needs or learning difficulties? Do you have a student right now who is on the Autism Spectrum? In today’s podcast epidsode Thembi Shears shares her fantastic insights into teaching students with ASD or ADHD. Thembi talks about what these terms mean, the difficulties you may encounter, and how to teach these students in the most effective and sensitive way. As piano teachers we are in the privileged position of getting to teach students one-on-one. Unlike classroom teachers who have to take one approach for lots of different children, we get to adapt our teaching to suit each child. So when a student with different needs walks in the door, we need a teaching toolbox to draw from to help them learn in a way that suits them. Take a listen to today’s podcast and you’re sure to learn something new that you can implement right away, or keep in the memory bank for the next time a student with ASD or ADHD walks through your door! In this episode, you’ll learn: * What ADHD & ASD mean * How this affects students in the context of piano lessons * Strategies for effective communication with students with ASD * How to give clear instructions * How to split up lessons into manageable chunks of time Thembi’s ADHD Teaching Tips * Provide organisational assistance * Recognise and praise desired behaviour * Provide rewards consistently and often * Arrange the environment to facilitate attention * Use active responsive instruction * Movement, tactile experiences, games etc. * Use multiple small periods of practice for rote tasks * Foster self esteem Thembi’s ASD Teaching Tips * Social skills * Remember that the child has limited understanding of friendships and play * Keep your emotional reactions calm and predictable * Do not be insulted by inappropriate reactions or a lack of empathy * Language / communication * Don’t force the student to make eye contact * Remember that disruptive behaviour is not usually deliberate misbehaviour * Avoid using complicated language, figurative speech or sarcasm e.g. Wait a minute * Be as concrete as possible. Avoid vague questions like ‘Why did you do that?’ * Avoid verbal overload * Pause between instructions and check for understanding * Do not rely on the student to relay messages home * Give concrete rules for acceptable and unacceptable behaviour * Repetitive routine * Establish a predictable environment * Your behaviour, room set-up * Prepare students for potential change * Lesson time, concerts, group classes * Use interests as motivation; * Explore sounds, search for repertoire, re-name pieces, create visual cues to spark interest * Do not try to stop self-soothing behaviours * Sensory overload * Discuss with the parents * Limit excess noise * Own set of stationery * Use blinds / curtains * No perfume / aftershave / scented candles * Be aware of clothing colour Items mentioned in this podcast: * Blog article about asking more questions in piano lessons * Blitz Games Books * Blogs for off-the-bench activities * Anne Crosby Gaudet’s blog www.pianoanne.ca * Joy Morin’s blog www.colorinmypiano.com *

Do you have a waiting list for your studio? Ever wondered how you could turn those students you don’t have room for into a multi-teacher studio? If so, then this podcast episode is for you! The business side of running a multi-teacher studio can be daunting, and there is so much to consider such as locations, finding the right teachers, accounting, pricing calculations…the list goes on. If you’re not sure where to start, then take a listen to episode 7 for a fantastic overview of what you need to do to go from one teacher to many. Carly McDonald runs Novar Music a large music teaching studio in Adelaide Australia, and in today’s podcast she answers the top questions teachers have when making this leap from independent teacher, to owner of a multi-teacher studio. Even if you don’t see yourself taking that jump, I think we can all learn a lot from the way Carly runs her business! In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to hire new teachers * How to streamline your interviewing * What questions to ask that will ensure you pick someone who’s a good fit for your studio * The importance of continuing professional development for piano teachers * Possible locations for your studio * Price considerations when running a multi-teacher studio * How to create a wide range of performance opportunities for your students * How to check in with teachers and make sure their performance is up to your standard Items mentioned in this podcast: * MYOB accounting software * Wendy Steven’s blog Compose Create * Diane Hidy’s blog * Carly McDonald’s blog Creative Piano Professional * Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference * The Independent Piano Teacher’s Studio Handbook Today’s cheat-sheet download: Today’s sponsor: Music Teachers’ Helper is the software solution I use for running my private studio. If you’re still trying to keep track of invoices, student details, tax records and book loans on spreadsheets or pieces of paper, you really are wasting your time. Music Teacher’s Helper is online scheduling and billing software which you can access from any computer, phone or tablet, and that will literally save you hours every month in studio admin. One of the coolest things about it is that you can automatically email lesson reminders to students or parents to reduce the chance of missed lessons, particularly if you work on a rotating timetable. You can even build a studio website for free right in the program and it comes with a companion practice app for students so you can see exactly how much they’ve practiced. Of course there are heaps more features, but the best thing to do is head to www.musicteachershelper.com/tim, register for a risk-free 30 day trial and if you choose to continue your access, you’ll get 20% off your first month. Are you thinking of starting a multi-teacher studio? Was there something in today’s podcast that you hadn’t considered? Did Carly shed light on an issue you’ve been wondering about? Got any other business-related questions for her? Let us know below. Do you have a waiting list for your studio?