Archive for the ‘ ✏ Teaching Thoughts ’ Category

Piano Competitions – An Open Letter to Students

1819medalHere is my latest article on Music Teachers Helper: Dear student, I am writing this letter to you because I am thinking about your upcoming piano competition. You have worked so hard for this and I want to let you know first and foremost how proud I am that you will be performing in this event. [ READ MORE ]

Role of Parents

The following is my latest article on Music Teachers Helper: All private music teachers know that in order for a student to succeed in their music study, parents play a very important role. Some parents were music students once before, so they understand the commitment involved, others are new to the world of private music lessons, [ READ MORE ]

How to Practice

The following is my latest article on Music Teachers Helper: Practicing is such an important and crucial part of music study. Many students, however, don't know how to practice, or how to practice effectively and efficiently. I am constantly finding myself reminding students how to practice or what they should do when they practice. Sometimes [ READ MORE ]

Tips For Successful Music Auditions and Festivals

20121103-130129.jpgThroughout the year, there are many opportunities for students to participate in music auditions and festivals. These events usually involve a judge, who gives students feedback on their performance and/or provide a rating. The following are useful tips to help students have a successful experience. 1. Have plenty sleep the night before. 2. Eat lightly [ READ MORE ]

Make-up Lessons

When I first started teaching (many years ago), I did not have a make-up policy, and was charging by the lesson. No show = no pay. (Yes, fellow teachers, I can sense your horror and disapproval!) Alas, those days are over; I now charge a monthly fee, and have a make-up policy. Still, the issue [ READ MORE ]

The Price of Private Music Lessons

One of the most challenging aspects of being a private music teacher is running the studio as a business. One of the most frustrating aspects of being a private music teacher is dealing with payments. Many students and parents do not understand the price of private music lessons, what it means and what it includes. [ READ MORE ]

How much should I practice?

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from students/parents is "how much should I/my child practice?" As every teacher will tell you, while this depends on the student's age, natural ability (sometimes referred to as talent), current skill level, interest level, personal goal and reason for studying piano, and family circumstances, the simple [ READ MORE ]

How to practice cross-rhythm

A talented student of mine is currently working on Chopin's famous Fantasie Impromptu. The obvious challenge here is the cross-rhythm: right hand sixteenth notes against left hand triplets. I have devised the following 10-step guide to help my student nail this: 1. Practice each hand separately, very slowly, make every note extra louder than normal. [ READ MORE ]

What to do when students want to quit lessons?

As a teacher, I am never surprised when I hear from a parent that their child does not want to take lessons anymore. It is very normal for students to go through stages in their learning where the challenges and amount of hardwork required exceed the "fun" aspect. After all, piano study is a rather [ READ MORE ]

Comparing Different Music Exams/Tests/Auditions

The following is my latest article for Music Teachers Helper Blog. I am inspired to write this blog entry after reading Valerie Kampmeier’s great post “Music Exams – What do you think?” I have always believed in the benefits of assessment opportunities for students. They can be called exams, tests, auditions, festivals, or other names, [ READ MORE ]

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