Many of us have encountered a year of “firsts” in our piano teaching — the sudden switch to online teaching, our first virtual recital, and perhaps a few online festivals and adjudications. One of the last frontiers of “firsts” for some teachers may be starting a young beginner online. In the early days of the […]
What memories shine from childhood piano lessons? Graduating to a higher level? A smile from a gracious teacher on a day your heart felt rainy? Or, how about an ensemble piece that includes a drum part? Such occasions can affirm for the student—”music is for me!” Today we offer an ensemble performance of “Come See the […]
Making O’s not only develops the fingertip at early levels, it can be used at advanced levels to align the arm and knuckle with the finger that plays. Join Dr. Faber for some interesting pointers.
Two things you might not normally think of together: autumn and… blooming flowers. But they pair very well when you’re thinking of new piano students. If you have students starting in our Piano Adventures Primer Level, you probably already know where this is going! “Round Hand Shape” is our Technique Secret No. 2, and “blooming flowers” […]
Best wishes to teachers, students, and parents as a new “back to school” season begins! This year our posts will be organized around a monthly theme. For September, the theme is Primer Level teaching. Every young piano student remembers the first lesson. It is such a privilege to introduce the magnificence of the piano—and some […]
Time to head off to the North Pole to check on the toy-packing and gift-wrapping. Some young people write letters with lists, and some might even try sending emails. But we’re going to hitch a ride for a little in-person inspection. And for that we need our thumbs! The thumb is such a useful, important […]
To the student, Piano Adventures implies an exciting exploration. To the teacher, Piano Adventures implies a philosophy and mission to develop the student’s musical mind and heart. The process of guiding a young person to develop the mind (intellect) and the heart (expression) can help form valuable life skills: confidence, curiosity, discipline, self-esteem, sensitivity to nuance, […]
There is much to share with our beginning students. With limited lesson time, how do we maximize our results? Fortunately, the Primer Level presents three elements of pedagogy that have exponential value when taught in combination.
