MER Blog
Music Teacher Tip #20 Part 1: Early Childhood Introductory Lesson Evaluations
Music Teacher Tips #20-22 will be a 3-part series. In part 1, I share what I evaluate with early childhood students (4-6 years) at the introductory lesson. Introductory lessons is a free interview and evaluation where I take the time to evaluate and assess where a...
Music Teacher Tip #21 Part 2: New Beginner Introductory Lesson Evaluations
This is Part 2 of a 3 part series on lesson evaluations. In today's music teacher tip, I share what I like to evaluate with new beginners who have never had lessons before. This is typically any student 7 years old and up. (I go through what I do with younger students...
Music Teacher Tip #19: Establishing Boundaries
As we begin another school year, I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about boundary setting. While boundaries may come across as a negative thing, it is actually a very positive and healthy thing to establish. Establishing clear boundaries means you are...
The Importance of Listening
One of the most important skills a student must have when practicing is to be able to listen. Have you ever had a student that can play through a piece and it sounds completely off? They might be playing in the wrong key, or wrong position or just missing all the...
Cool Songs Club by Jerald Simon
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I have had the chance to play around inside Jerald's Simon's Cool Songs Club and wanted to share a bit about it. If you are familiar...
Back to School BONUS Sale!
Did you hear? TpT is having a Bonus back to school sale on Tuesday, August 20th and I am participating. I've already marked all my resources off 20% off beginning Tuesday and if you use the promo code: BTSBONUS19 you will save another 5% off! If you missed the sale a...
NCKP 2019 Conference Saturday
Saturday at NCKP ended up being not at all what I had planned. My husband was supposed to meet me in Chicago at the conference hotel that afternoon so we could go on a road trip where I would be getting 5 additional states for my "50 by 50" goal. But things changed...
NCKP 2019 Conference Friday
The 2nd day (or 3rd day with Pre-Conference Wednesday) of NCKP! Did you miss Wednesday and Thursday? NCKP 2019 Pre-Conference Wednesday NCKP 2019 Thursday Creating Collaborative Experiences for Students of All Ages Sarah Alexander and Whitney Hawker Good goals...
NCKP 2019 Conference Thursday
Thursday is when the official conference begins! This year I heard there were over 180 sessions to choose from. Wow! (Missed pre-conference? Read all about it here) Rote and Pattern Pieces that Motivate and Captivate Showcase By Paula Dryer This year I'm...
Music Teacher Tip #18: Getting to Know You Activities
It's back to school time, which means you will want some fun getting to know you activities in your arsenal. Getting to know our students help create a sense of belonging. It can help us when we are trying to figure out what music will motivate them. It also let’s...
