Make practicing piano easier for our students by:

1. prepare them to practice in the lesson by teaching and reviewing landmark notes, demonstrating rhythm, and testing them to figure it out on their own.

2. external motivators as you see fit, and encouraging the parents to make sure practicing happens at home.

3. teach them the difference between playing, practicing and performing.

Larissa Humphries (a cello teacher friend) puts on these Summer Contests with her mom Stephanie Hinckley (my piano teacher friend). Such a great idea!

First you look at what technical challenges your students may be having, gaps in their learning, things they need to work on.

Second, choose a theme and think of 7 musical projects they could do on their own. Some easier than others.

Larissa wants to also mention that she tells the students they are working toward the grand prize, she doesn't share that they only have to complete 5 out of 7. That gives her the flexibility to see if 4 out of 7 is enough work for some grand prizes to be awarded.

Remember to choose themes and projects that work for YOU in YOUR studio, these are ideas that worked for Larissa in hers.

Also check out last week's episode 90 for a repost of more summer ideas including groups, camps, and creative ideas.

Maybe this will be the best, most musical summer ever!

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Instagram: @angelatoone_

Are you thinking about (worrying about) summertime piano lessons?

Between vacations, camps, students' schedules made more complicated if we have our own kids... Is it even worth it to try?

So worth it!

Listen in for suggestions from my experience, as well as my piano teacher friends including

1. group games/camps

2. making policies or practicalities for fewer lessons

3. could be a time to bring in something new, different, and fun!

Keeping our students improving through the whole summer so we don't have to start over in the fall!

-Check in with us again next week, I interview a cello teacher friend who shares her Summer Contests that flow with the course of normal teaching and motivates students to complete projects on their own!

piano teacher primer course

angelatoone.com

Showing piano students which notes match, turns them into incredible note readers!

Students finding chords and scales in their music gives them a huge boost in musical understanding and deeper knowledge.

Teacher fit, (I don't mean teacher outfits!) But how to decide who you want to be as a teacher, and accepting students that are a match for your studio!

It's a match!

scales and chords masterclass

angelatoone.com

Huge thanks to Jaclyn Mrozek for having me on the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast!

We give a quick run-down of the unique way I teach scales and chords to piano students, allowing them to internalize the patterns, recognize them in their music, and fuel their other musical pursuits.

Enjoy geeking out with us in music theory!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

How I Teach a First Piano Lesson Free Video

How I Teach Scales Masterclass

Chord Secrets Decoded Masterclass

Bundle Scales and Chords Decoded

Free Download Circle of 5ths

Only a few days left until the last Piano Teacher Primer LIVE small group, 4 week course where we plan to workshop theory, lesson planning, and how to teach with confidence in yourself!

6 total spots, and only 4 spots left!

Click ⁠here⁠ for more information

Closes Wednesday, February 5th at midnight

What if the student still isn't getting it right?

What if the parent isn't happy with their progress?

What if the student just doesn't care?

What if I feel unprepared or unqualified as a teacher?

I answer these and more worries from past clients, my own experience, and those submitted by piano teacher friends.

We can answer our own brains with reassurance, new ideas, solutions, and affirmations to build confidence from the inside out. We can learn new and unconventional teaching techniques to bring a fresh approach to a challenging student.

Bring your worries, bring your concerns, I can help!

The Final Piano Teacher Primer LIVE 4-week small group course gives you the connection to expertise, personalized answers, a game-a-week, and connection with piano friends!

Starting very soon, February 6th! Time TBD by the participants' time zones, but each workshop will be recorded.

Fill in the interest list, just a simple form if you might be interested.

angelatoone.com/ 

These two brilliant college piano performance majors have studied, researched and put together an incredible presentation that I can't wait to share with you!

As we explore 5 ways to connect the mind and body,

Visualization Affirmation EFT And Meditation,

we’ll discover optimal musical performance and therefore more enjoyment for ourselves and our students! Bonus, these can help in every other area of life!

For the slides, images, and sources they referenced, click on the link below:

Google Drive Link

Also here are their email addresses if you have further questions:

Ally’s email

Kamryn’s email

I first learned about EFT from my friend Karina, Certified EFT practitioner and intuitive healer

and I have loved using it ever since!💜

Karina's Email: [email protected]

Karina's instagram : @happyholisticlifekarina

episode 64

Performance Without Anxiety Masterclass

Beginning Piano Teachers: For hands-on help implementing tried and true effective teaching tips , or even how to start your own studio from scratch, check out the final round of:

Piano Teacher Primer LIVE 4-week small group !

Starts February 6th! only 6 spots!

Let me know even if you might be interested by clicking here for the interest list just a quick form

We have way too much fun!

Ever feel like improv is a musical mystery?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This week’s podcast episode is all about bringing improv magic to your piano studio.

I’m chatting with Susan Staples Bell. She shares fun, easy activities to help your students explore their creative side (and maybe even surprise themselves)! Whether you’re a total improv newbie or just looking for fresh ideas, this episode is your backstage pass to making music a little more... unexpected.

Susan has a wealth of knowledge as well as scores of resources on her website. And is giving our listeners 20% off! When you spend $20. Use the code SAVE20

Shop sheet music & resources: https://www.susanstaplesbellmusic.com/sheet-music

Exploring Improvisation Method Book:

At the Gym, Warm Up Exercises for Group Lessons:

Studio License Collections of Solos:

Susan Staples Bell at Sheet Music Plus

Susan Staples Bell on Youtube

Susan Staples Bell on Facebook

Susan Staples Bell on Instagram

Last Chance for the piano teacher training course. Equip yourself with skills and confidence to start teaching piano! Whether a few students, or a full business, find fulfilment on a number of levels ...including financially!

Piano Teacher Primer LIVE 4-week small group only 6 spots, Starts February 6th

Click here for the no-pressure interest list

angelatoone.com

angela's instagram

Talk less, smile more?

Ya that too!

But we can talk less play more with Duets, Demonstrations, and Do play more games too!

-Playing duets with students is more fun for you and teaches them by just going forward with the music, rhythm and expression included

-Demonstrate for them rhythms, fingering, arm motions, it shows them why AND how

-Do play games with students! I talk briefly about my favorite type of games to play with students

Black Friday Deal below on the next and final 4-week zoom small group course: Piano Teacher Primer LIVE

I've hosted several groups, and each one has looked different. That's the fun of it! I've helped those not teaching yet feel confident, specific lesson plans, and given just enough accountability to get going. Teachers already teaching have gotten next level knowledge like how to handle tricky parent situations, how to raise prices, and repertoire I recommend. I teach a game a week, and show you how it's done!

-4 weekly zoom classes LIVE and video replay

-4 games

-6 spots

-All the downloads

Starts February 4, 2025, time will be determined by time zones of participants

Here's the Deal:

Regular price $160, but the code THANKS takes off 25% making it only $120. That's over a $400 value!

Or click here for the link already appllied!

Save your spot before you forget!

angelatoone.com

Sparked by last week's episode on teaching expression and musicality, we need a "how-to!"

Specifically how to teach balancing melody and accompaniment.

Challenging to do!

I give you what I say, what I do, what I've learned, and encourage teachers to celebrate each small victory along the path to musical piano playing!

Keep listening for my Black Friday Deal on the next Piano Teacher Primer Live Zoom Group!

Only a few spots left for Q & A with Angela Toone.

After over 25 years teaching, pedagogy classes from the University and beyond, and I've been training piano teachers for 5 years strong, I got ideas!

?how to make the lesson fun when the student hasn't practiced?

?I've never heard a podcast about this particular challenge?

? I've tried your suggestions and it's just not working?

Sign up for a half hour for only $10 over $40 value

Click here to see availability

or go to angelatoone.com