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...
Missed Lessons (Music Teacher Tip #17)
One of the most common questions I see or hear from independent music teachers is, "what do you do when a student needs to miss a lesson?" OR "Do you do make-up lessons?" I don't do make-up lessons. Matter of fact, I am strongly against them. I don't know where the...
Help! My Student Wants to Quit!
Like all of us, over the years I have had students quit. Quitting is inevitable, we know this, but what makes it especially hard is when the quitting happens prematurely. It absolutely kills me when a student that has so much potential and is on what I would consider...
Tidying Up the Music Studio; 3 Things I Learned from Marie Kondo
January took an unexpected turn in our household. My husband and I had a goal to clean out the garage. It's been something we have been needing to do for a while. About a week before we were going to put that goal into action, I had heard about a new Netflix show...
Music Teacher Tips and Tricks
I'm really excited about a new collaboration project that involves YOU! I strongly believe that we all have something to share. And as a teacher, I know you have experienced that "one" tip or trick that has made all the difference. Whether it's teaching tips, lesson...
Top 3 Reasons to Join MTNA
I think sometimes it's easy to forget when there is so much support online nowadays with social media that being a member of a professional group still has many benefits. I have been a member of MTNA since 2000 (easy date to remember) and wanted to share my top 3...
Follow Aria’s Musical Adventures on Instagram
The results are in and it looks like Aria will be keeping her name! She has her new superhero mask and she is ready to go! Thank you to those who submitted an idea. I decided to send a "SUPERize" to all of you who did. So check your email and I hope you enjoy! I will...
Music Educator Community
Whether you teach privately or in the classroom, join me in the Music Educator Community Facebook group! This group is a closed support for music teachers who have used (or interested in using) digital resources from Music Educator Resources and/or have registered for...
Surprise the Teacher at Fall Kickoff
When do you kick off fall semester? My fall semester begins next week. I just got back from vacation so I'm busy pulling everything together. Luckily, all the big stuff was done before I left so now it's all the little things that can add up. In my piano studio, I do...
Burnout Is Real
I don’t know about anyone else, but this is my most stressful time of year. It’s also the time of year that I tend to burn out and when I notice my students burning out. This is the time for re-registration, summer camp registrations, summer scheduling, following up...