piano teacher primer

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a true creative! She shares all the many hats she wears, and the solutions she has found and developed for each. We talk: teaching resources, private and group accompanying (she has a new how-to course coming out! link) podcasting All the things! Here are her top 3 tips for beginning teachers 1. Don't try to do everything. It's easy to get "shiny object" syndrome and want to try everything you hear about, but you have to choose what is going to be the most useful thing right now and focus on that 2. That being said...don't be afraid to try new activities, games, tools. You will start to build an arsenal of activities that you can use "on the fly" if you have a squirrely student or one who is having a hard time grasping a concept.  3. Stories are a great way to connect with students. You can use storybooks about music. I've also created short "sound effect stories" that I use with my beginning students to teach simple musical concepts.  Speaking of stories, characters and stories can be fantastic to help students memorize, details to come about techniques to teach Memorizing Mastery and Performance without Anxiety! Dynamic Accompanying Course Waitlist  Dynamic Piano Teaching Podcast ⁠Episode 15: Janet Hart on Piano Detectives Club⁠ TopMusic Piano Podcast Etsy Store (Sound Effect Stories) More piano teaching resources on ⁠angelatoone.com⁠  ⁠how I teach a first piano lesson video⁠⁠ piano teacher primer course⁠

Bravely take on any potentially challenging conversations with piano parents to bring the collaboration of student, teacher, and parent together all for the students' successful piano education. Things like Student not practicing all their pieces Recital piece not ready in time Cutting back studio Raising prices And tips for communicating any change in your studio More piano teaching resources on ⁠angelatoone.com⁠  ⁠how I teach a first piano lesson video⁠⁠ piano teacher primer course⁠

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!angelatoone.com/  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 including1. group games/camps2. making policies or practicalities for fewer lessons3. 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 courseangelatoone.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 masterclassangelatoone.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: tappingwithkarina@gmail.comKarina's instagram : @happyholisticlifekarinaepisode 64Performance 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 formWe 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 studentsBlack 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 participantsHere'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

Teaching students to play expressively is more than dynamics. It is about enhancing the indications, and going beyond the notes to imagine and feel the mood of each passage. From musical markings to magical moments—learn how to guide students of various levels in expressing emotions, storytelling, and painting vivid musical pictures. Questions about anything you've heard on the podcast? You're always welcome to DM me on instagram, but talking in person works so much better! Only for November: Q and A sessions with Angela Toone, 30 min, only 10 bucks ($40 dollar value) Click here to see available times or go to angelatoone.com Keep following along for a Black Friday Deal Too!

When should we accelerate our piano students forward, and when is it better to adjust and take a different approach? To challenge or not to challenge? In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between pushing students forward or decelerating that motion a bit. It's an art, not a science— 🔑 Key takeaways: Learn the personalities of the students for which kids love a challenge, and which get overwhelmed easily Involve the parent every step of the way Why labeling pieces "easy" or "hard" can miss the bigger picture Navigating student challenges, from small wins to overcoming difficulties Practical tips for pushing students just enough while keeping their growth steady and fun This episode offers strategies to keep progress steady without overwhelming them. Tune in to find out how to strike balance in your teaching! Link to the Q and A sessions coming soon! angelatoone.com

Why step out of your comfort zone as a piano teacher? Because growth is what we're made for! It brings energy, excitement, and a deeper connection to your students. In this episode, be inspired with many ideas like how to introduce new method books, explore the latest supplementary music, or even infuse your studio with unique recital ideas. We're embracing change! "Toone in" and get ready to be inspired by new possibilities! Let’s make our teaching more fun, creative, and engaging—both for us and our students. Let the good times roll! episodes referenced: episode 58 Pro Tips with Jessica Allen episode 55 classical music: how to start interested in the next Piano Teacher Primer LIVE Zoom Group? click here for the interest list Or a 20 min Q and A? details to come angelatoone.com

Have you ever had a student from another piano teacher that seems to have some gaps in their musical education? Maybe they can play well, but learning a new piece takes forever? Or they have a good knowledge of the note values, but they don't play in rhythm? It can be tricky to figure out how to navigate these situations, but it's also exciting that you can help them fill in those gaps giving them a more complete musical experience! Listen in for practical tips on how to prevent, prepare for, and handle situations with transfer students. And before you forget, click here for the Piano Teacher Primer LIVE group course on Zoom, it starts next week! This is a personalized program based on the questions and concerns of the participants like what do to after the first lessons, more exact lesson plans, games at-the-ready, and celebrations with other piano teachers new or needing inspiration. Only 6 spots available so sign up now before it fills up. Would love to see you there! angelatoone.com

That’s right A to G and all the keys in-between! What's harder sharps or flats?What keys are the hardest for you the teacher to play in?Which ones are hardest for your students?Let's vote on Instagram or spotify poll!We’ll dive into teaching sharps and flats initially, accidentals, and moving into key signature strategies for success! Resources mentioned in this episode:⁠dozen a day at ease in many keys⁠Puck by Grieg Op. 71 No. 3books by Robert PaceBefore you forget: click on this link if you might be interested in a 4-week Zoom Group for personalized help getting your studio started, or specific questions I can help you with hands-on! I'll send a zoom link for an info call on Thursday, September 5th. I am only taking 6 people, so keep that in mind. Piano Teacher Primer LIVEangelatoone.com/ 

As we wrap up the last of the summer encore episodes, I HAD to include this one because rhythm is the essential life blood of all music, and is often not taught effectively. I explore 3 ways of counting rhythm -all of which I use with different students and in different situations 1. traditional "one-and-two-and..." 2. "TA and titi" 3. fruit names! Don't worry it's all explained, and I'd love to hear how you help YOUR students with rhythm! Find me on Instagram @angelatoone_ . I go into a lot more detail with how-tos, games, and visuals in the Piano Teacher Primer online course . OR for more specific help, or if you are already currently teaching, I will be hosting another Piano Teacher Primer LIVE Zoom group starting September 12th! Spots are already being spoken for, so fill out this quick no-obligation form if you are at all interested. link angelatoone.com

This episode got a re-record and an upgrade to explain how I help piano students fix notes in a positive way, and in a way that positively fixes that note more permanently in these common scenarios: 1. They realize It’s not right and fix it themselves immediately 2. They can hear something is wrong, but they can’t tell which note exactly 3. They know where the right note is, they just accidentally played a different one 4. They don’t realize the note is wrong. Either their ear says it sounds fine, or they mis-memorized…or both. They think it’s right, but it’s not. That last one is the hardest to fix I think, but I’ll tell you exactly what I do in the lesson, and by extension how to practice at home more effectively. How would you handle these situations? Speaking of note-reading, also check out episode 75 [encore] about landmarks and intervals Thought about teaching piano but don’t know where to start? Start with my tutorial “how I teach a first piano lesson” it’s totally free click here Coming right up, another Piano Teacher Primer LIVE 4-week Zoom group to start or upgrade your own piano studio with specific, live help from me. No pressure click here for the interest list and more information. angelatoone.com

I think this episode deserves a place in the top ten, so I am showcasing it as an encore episode. I describe the best way I have found to teach note-reading to piano students, and best of all, it works with whichever piano teaching method you use, propelling students forward in these 3 ways: 1. Remembering which clef is which, 2. Learning all their notes quicker allowing them to learn more and more music (and have more fun of course!) 3. Helping them become better sightreaders overall, useful wherever music takes them in their life! Free download of my visual for teaching Treble Clef and Bass Clef click here or DM me on instagram @angelatoone_ Interval rhyme sayings and games and more inside the piano teacher primer online course a self-guided, walk-through, just-the-basics, no-overwhelm online course of videos and printables to get your own studio off the ground. If you are currently teaching, or would like some more personalized help starting your piano teaching studio, fill out the interest list for the next piano teacher primer LIVE it's a small group of 6 people, 4 weekly classes on Zoom, it expands and updates the concepts in the online course, and you can get specific questions answered... LIVE! angelatoone.com/