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The Keys to Music Learning podcast discusses common goals and challenges in the piano studio, and offers research-based ideas and solutions to guide every one of your students to reach their full musical potential with audiation.
78 Episodes
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In this first “Between Lessons” quick chat, Krista and Hannah dive into the world of early childhood music education, sharing fresh experiments, big questions, and joyful discoveries from their classrooms. Krista returns to teaching early childhood at a Montessori school and reflects on the power of immersion, play, and patience. Hannah shares how a summer seminar reshaped her thinking about music literacy, leading her to experiment with looping, overlapping class structures, and emergent mus...
In Part 2 of our conversation with Amy Chaplin, we go deeper into the messy middle of learning and teaching through Music Learning Theory (MLT). Amy reflects honestly on feeling overwhelmed early in her MLT journey, how those experiences shaped her empathy for teachers, and why “micro progressions” have become central to both her teaching and her professional work. We talk about tonalities, singing, and audiation, the emotional responses MLT can bring up for teachers, and what it means to sha...
In this episode of Keys to Music Learning, we sit down with pianist, teacher, blogger, and podcaster Amy Chaplin for an honest and thoughtful conversation about her journey as a music educator. Amy shares how her background in choral education shaped her teaching, the moments that left her wanting more for her students, and how she eventually found her way to Music Learning Theory. We talk about discovering MLT through graduate studies and professional development, the realities of experiment...
In Part Two of our conversation with musician and educator James Kessler, we dive deeper into what it really looks like to teach through audiation—across instruments, ages, and experience levels. James shares candid reflections on his early discomfort with singing and movement, how vulnerability became a powerful teaching tool, and why mentorship is essential when learning to teach through Music Learning Theory. We explore meaningful connections between Music Moves for Piano, Jump Right In, a...
In this episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo welcome music educator James Kessler for a wide-ranging conversation about his musical journey and the experiences that shaped his audiation-centered teaching philosophy. James shares his early immersion in classical music, his love of jazz and improvisation, and his winding path through performance, composition, and music education. Along the way, he reflects on sound-before-sight learning, solfege, human development, an...
Hosts Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo welcome back Gregory Chase for part two of an in-depth discussion on Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—what it is, how it manifests in children and adults, and the surprising ways it can impact learning in and out of the piano studio. Greg shares his personal journey of discovery through his son’s experience, the diagnostic process, and how music, especially when grounded in Music Learning Theory (MLT), plays a pivotal role in remediation. Ars Nova de Aud...
In this eye-opening episode of Keys to Music Learning, hosts Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo welcome back Gregory Chase for an in-depth discussion on Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—what it is, how it manifests in children and adults, and the surprising ways it can impact learning in and out of the piano studio. Greg shares his personal journey of discovery through his son’s experience, the diagnostic process, and how music, especially when grounded in Music Learning Theory (MLT), plays a piv...
In Part 2 of our chat with Gary Pederson, we discuss his journey with Marilyn Lowe. He recounts meeting Marilyn at Missouri State University after a horseback riding accident, where she took over his classes, and how they collaborated on creating a preparatory department with music classes for young children. He also discusses the evolution of his teaching methods and the importance of audiation-based instruction, expressing optimism for its future. Support Keys to Music Learning through the ...
Gary Pederson, a Steinway artist and former professor at Eastern Michigan University, shares his journey into music learning theory (MLT) and emphasizes the importance of audiation in teaching. He recounts his early musical experiences, including informal learning and formal lessons. Pederson also discusses the practical application of MLT with advanced students, focusing on memory and memorization, and the overuse of music notation, referencing Guido of Arezzo's historical context. Support K...
Sarah Boyd joins Keys to Music Learning to discuss emergent music literacy, notational audiation, and effective strategies for teaching reading and writing with an audiation-based approach. In this episode, we discuss: Sarah’s journey into researching music literacyHow emergent music literacy prepares students for notationKey research findings on notational audiation and its cognitive processesThe role of keyboard feel in the reading and writing processPractical activities for introducing not...
Eric Bluestine returns to discuss the concept of partial synthesis and its crucial role in Music Learning Theory. He breaks down common misconceptions, explains how patterns connect to real music, and offers insights into fostering creativity and generalization in students. This conversation dives deep into the philosophy behind MLT and provides practical applications for piano teachers. • Understanding partial synthesis and why it matters • Addressing misconceptions about Music Learning Theo...
Eric Bluestine shares his journey from vibrant public school music educator to private piano instructor, delving into the lessons learned along the way. The conversation focuses on adaptability in teaching methods, the importance of Music Learning Theory, and Eric's experiences writing a foundational book for music educators. • Eric’s transition from public education to private lessons • Reflecting on the challenges faced in music teaching • The limitations of traditional page-by-page lea...
In the third and final deep dive into keyboard technique, Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson share heartwarming stories about their experiences with Marilyn Lowe, the creator of Music Moves for Piano. They also emphasize the benefits of incorporating group musicianship and choir into piano lessons, helping students progress faster and more holistically. By combining private lessons with group sessions, they foster technical development, aural skills, and social bonds, creating a dynamic, suppo...
Hannah and Krista continue their discussion with Celeste Watson and Scarlette Kerr, highlighting the significance of blending audiation, biomechanics, and research-based methods in piano teaching, emphasizing a growth mindset and the patience needed to see long-term benefits. Scarlette's Webinars The Embodiment of Rhythmic Audiation at the Piano Technique and Young Beginners : Development of motor skills and application to Keyboard Games The Technique Checklist: Sequencing Tips to Monitor an...
After a summer off, we're back with a technical development deep dive. This episode, part 1 of 3, features a discussion centered around piano pedagogy, injury-preventative techniques, and Music Learning Theory (MLT). Hannah and Krista were delighted to speak with piano educators Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson, who share insights from their experiences and training in the Gordon Institute of Music Learning (GIML) and the Lister-Sink Injury Preventative Keyboard Technique program. Scarlett...
In this deep dive into the Music Moves for Piano curriculum, Krista and Hannah talk with Janna Olson, a veteran Music Moves teacher, about Marilyn Lowe's understanding of the skills needed to play repertoire and develop a love for music making, what exactly is high level music making, broadening the perspective of the piano teaching journey and the possibilities for students, and separating oneself from the "polished performance" goal of our culture. Links: Alberta Piano Teachers Association...
In Part 2 of our episode with Gregory Chase, we dive into the neuroscience research that validates audiation based-music lessons. Everything from the science of BAH and BUM, the importance of rhythm in the first months of life, why it's important to sing songs many times in the same keyality and in various tonalities and meters, and why students make the same mistakes over and over and how we can support them. Support Keys to Music Learning through the Keys to Music Learning Community! ...
In part 1 of this deep dive, Gregory Chase joins Krista and Hannah to discuss how neuroscience can help us understand how children learn music, including structuring lesson time, the importance of first three years, and the impact of hormones on learning. How the Brain Learns - David Sousa Bright from the Start - Jill Stamm Boy Smarts - Barry McDonald Support Keys to Music Learning through the Keys to Music Learning Community! Join us on Facebook! Introduction to Audiation-based Piano...
We are so excited to begin Season 3 of Keys to Music Learning! In this intro, Hannah and Krista discuss their summer highlights and the focus of the upcoming season. If you'd like to support the podcast, we'd love to have you join the community! Support Keys to Music Learning through the Keys to Music Learning Community! Join us on Facebook! Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves...
In this episode, Jenny talks to Krista and Hannah about her class piano at Eastern Michigan University, including how Music Learning Theory has changed their performances and the structure and books she uses in class. Webinar Links Movement Motivators Make Way for Play Support Keys to Music Learning through the Keys to Music Learning Community! Join us on Facebook! Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano in...
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