One of my students, Harrison, arrived for his lesson last week and confessed he had not had much time to practise. He told me he had "loads of homework!" and extra-curricular activities every day after school, apart from Thursday, the day of his piano lesson ("this is my only day off!" he sighed). In addition… Continue reading Less is More
Category: Piano teaching
Perceptions of independent piano teachers survey
I am researching the perceptions private piano teachers have of their own profession compared with the perceptions of the general public. Please take part in my survey. All responses will be treated in the strictest confidence https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PZ2PC9M
Mastering the Piano with Lang Lang
“The piano is my passion. Through the Lang Lang Piano Academy I hope to inspire today’s kids to explore the piano and celebrate the wonderful world of music. There are no short cuts to learning the piano and playing it well, but the journey along the way should be imaginative and rewarding as well as… Continue reading Mastering the Piano with Lang Lang
Being professional – the characteristics of a professional
Many people regard piano teaching as a vocation rather than a profession, including some who are active practitioners, and I have encountered many people outside of the profession of piano teaching who regard the role as some kind of superannuated "hobby": on one occasion the parent of one of my (former) students actually said to… Continue reading Being professional – the characteristics of a professional
A new kind of practice notebook
Encouraging piano students to practice can be the bane of the piano teacher's life and teachers regular seek new ways to encourage students to practice creatively, thoughtfully and intelligently. The practice notebook is usually the means by which the teacher records what he or she would like student to focus on in the intervening days… Continue reading A new kind of practice notebook
What Are Piano Lessons For?
This is a very personal manifesto about the purpose of piano lessons. You may not agree. You may disagree vehemently. But what you (as a piano teacher or as a parent of a piano student or as a piano student) believe piano lessons are for will affect your level of satisfaction with the piano lessons… Continue reading What Are Piano Lessons For?
Learn to play the piano with Chilly Gonzales
The eccentric Canadian pianist is on a mission to reinvigorate the lives of lapsed amateur pianists. Here, he gives a lesson on bringing joy to music, as part of his Re-Introduction Etudes book Chilly Gonzales … bet he doesn't look like your old piano teacher. Photograph: Hayley Madden/Redferns Chilly Gonzales wants to bring joy to… Continue reading Learn to play the piano with Chilly Gonzales
How to help your child enjoy and succeed at piano lessons
The role of parents in piano lessons is crucial, by encouraging their children to practise, reinforcing the teacher's instruction, and offering support and encouragement. The decision to start piano lessons should not be taken too lightly. Learning and playing the piano is highly enjoyable and satisfying, leading to a deep sense of personal fulfilment, but… Continue reading How to help your child enjoy and succeed at piano lessons
Guest post: You Can Teach Jazz
by Elena Cobb I am very grateful to all who took part in the lively discussions on the Facebook piano teachers forums, made suggestions and offered their opinions on this highly interesting and often controversial topic. Special thank you to Snake Davis (UK), Kay Alexander (Canada), Elissa Milne (Australia), Rami Bar-Niv (Israel), Tom Lydon, the editor of the Music Teacher… Continue reading Guest post: You Can Teach Jazz
The Performing Teacher
I meet many piano teachers, at courses, workshops and masterclasses. It is always good to meet other piano teachers, to exchange ideas, and to enjoy a collective grumble about the exigencies of the job. Many of the teachers whom I meet are also performing musicians, professional or otherwise, and many regard performing as a necessary,… Continue reading The Performing Teacher
A Piano Teacher Writes... 