If I Started a Piano Studio Today, I’d Do These 9 Things (and Avoid These 9 Mistakes)
When I started teaching piano, I made plenty of mistakes. Some were expensive. Some were stressful. Some were simply the result of not knowing what I didn’t know. The good news is that you don’t need to make all the same mistakes I did. If I woke up tomorrow and had to start my piano […]
How to Teach Lead Sheets to Piano Students
Many piano students spend years learning to play exactly what’s written on the page, but real-world musicians often do much more than that. They improvise, accompany singers, play by ear, and create their own arrangements. Lead sheets are a fantastic tool for developing these skills. By combining a simple melody with chord symbols, lead sheets […]
Student-Led Piano Lessons: Why Flexible Teaching Creates Better Musicians
As piano teachers, we often talk about finding the “right” curriculum, method book, pacing, or teaching style. But lately, I’ve been thinking about something different: What if great teaching has less to do with finding the perfect system… and more to do with learning how to truly respond to the student sitting in front of […]
Do Guide Notes Actually Help Students Read Music?
Why do some piano students still struggle with note reading despite learning guide notes? Explore guide notes, intervallic reading, and alternative beginner piano methods.
Do Piano Teachers Need an Email List? (Piano Teacher Email List Guide)
Do piano teachers need an email list? Learn when email marketing is worth it for piano teachers, studio owners, online teachers, camps, and digital products.
Creative Piano Summer Camp Ideas for Teachers Who Want More Than Lessons
If you’re searching for piano summer camp ideas, chances are you’re also wondering what your studio is going to look like in June, July, and August. Students travel, schedules get messy, and lessons start to drop off. I used to stress about that every single year until I realized something… Summer doesn’t have to be […]
How to Throw a Themed Piano Recital Your Students Will Never Forget
Why I Host a Themed Spring Recital Every Year Every December, I host a Christmas recital.But every spring, I do something different. I host a themed piano recital. Adding a theme transforms a standard recital into a studio event students and parents look forward to every single year. After 20 years of teaching, I can […]
5 Creative Ways to Teach Rhythm in Piano Lessons (That Actually Work)
5 creative ways to teach rhythm in piano lessons. Simple, fun strategies to help students feel rhythm using movement, singing, games, and hands-on activities.
5 Fun Ways to Encourage Piano Practice in December
Looking for ways to keep your piano students practicing through December? Here are five fun and festive ideas (including two free printables) to help your students stay motivated all month long and into the new year.
30-Minute Piano Lesson Plan: Step-by-Step Guide + Free Printable Template
What should happen in a 30-minute piano lesson? Let’s break down the parts of a lesson, what to include, and how long to spend on each component of a private piano lesson.
