The Day I Said Yes to Für Elise—and Watched a Beginner Shine
This post will either be a horrific trigger of your most dreaded student request... or a welcome relief. 😅
With those two possibilities ahead of us, here goes the story:
I have this 9-year-old student.
He’s a little nerdy, wildly enthusiastic, and absolutely loves piano.
We’re talking brand-new beginner here—I haven’t even officially introduced the white key names yet. We’ve just been exploring black key patterns, finger numbers, and rote pieces. (You know the drill.)
And then... it happened.
“I want to play Für Elise!”
Easy Piano Songs for Kids: Fun, Familiar Tunes to Keep Beginners Engaged
If your beginner students are wiggly, distracted, or just not connecting with traditional method books, you’re not alone. Many piano teachers are feeling the shift—today’s kids are growing up in a fast-paced, visually stimulating world. Black-and-white sheet music just isn’t cutting it for every child.
You want your students to fall in love with music. To light up when they finally master a new piece. But instead, you might be seeing blank stares, skipped practice, or frustration that leads to burnout. Not to mention, they just stop practicing!
Get the Leash! — An Easy Piano Song for Beginners Who Are Ready to Read on the Staff 🐾
Looking for an easy piano song that’s perfect for beginners and still sounds adorable? Check out Get the Leash!, a studio-licensed early elementary piano solo that’s short, sweet, and all about the joy of a pup who’s ready to GO. And I mean when she wants a walk, she wants a WALK! 🐾
🐾 Easy Piano Music for Beginners: A Fun, Pre-Reading Piece for Young Piano Students
If you're looking for easy piano music for beginners that students actually enjoy playing, take a look at People Smile at Me! This pre-reading piano solo is perfect for young children just starting piano lessons—especially those who need easy sheet music that’s playful, accessible, and confidence-building.
How a Superhero Helps Piano Students Play With Expression
A Musical Adventure That Makes Phrasing Come to Life!
Join Tonal and Sonica, two fearless superheroes, as they patrol the city, searching for ways to transform lifeless melodies into expressive, captivating music! Armed with magical jewels and bracelets, they hurl their powers at the most important notes in each phrase-bringing music to life! But danger lurks in every measure... Villains threaten to flatten their mission, and only by teaming up with the mysterious Krypto-Crescendo can they uncover the most powerful note of all!
Explore and Improv at Piano with your Youngest Students
Finally, a music exploration book for young kids—now available as a digital download!
Research shows that music plays a vital role in early childhood development, enhancing motor skills, social interaction, speech, memory, confidence, and creativity. Ben and the Blue Piano is designed for children ages 4-7, including special needs students or any child who loves to create their own songs and learn at their own pace.
This engaging resource introduces foundational musical concepts through play, exploration, and movement. Perfect for piano teachers and parents, the digital format makes it even easier to incorporate music learning into lessons—whether in-person or online.
Wild Notes: A Nature & Music Camp That Inspires Young Learners
What if you could bring the sounds of nature into your music studio? Imagine children giggling as they shake homemade instruments, tapping rhythms inspired by raindrops, and listening to the wind while creating their own musical stories. With Wild Notes: A Nature & Music Camp for Young Children, you can turn this vision into reality!
This engaging 4-day camp is designed for kids ages 4-9, blending music-making with sensory nature exploration. Perfect for summer programs, community events, or studio workshops, it helps young learners connect with the world around them while developing their musical skills.
Boost Your Studio This Summer with an Engaging Drum Circle Camp
Summer camps are a great way to keep students engaged, attract new families, and boost your studio income. But planning can feel overwhelming! The secret? Choose a simple, engaging theme and use a ready-made plan to save time.
How to Plan a Summer Piano Camp (Without the Overwhelm!)
Summer camps can be a fantastic way to engage students, boost your income, and bring fresh energy to your studio. But planning one can feel overwhelming—where do you start? The key is to choose a well-structured curriculum that makes your job easier while keeping students excited and engaged.
How to Plan a Summer Camp for Your Music Studio
Have you thought about running a summer camp but feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start? Maybe you just need a little guidance to help bring your ideas to life. If that sounds like you, then you're in the right place!
I've planned and run multiple summer camps in my music studio, and today, I’m sharing my top tips to help you make your camp a success. Whether you want to increase income, keep students engaged, or free up your schedule, summer camps can be a game-changer.
Bring Holiday Joy with "Deck the Halls" – A Beginner-Friendly Arrangement for Piano!
Spring Fever - what is it and do you have it?
After Easter - THEN WHAT?
It's a holiday let-down, that's what! I refuse to stop the fun. But let's get real: in the US - we are heading towards the end of the school term. BURNOUT is all around us. What to do? Going back to my childhood, grown-ups always talked about kids getting "Spring Fever". It's not a real illness. It's a term that describes that feeling of burnout, being antsy, and really wanting a break. I captured this feeling for my students with the MODERN song, "Spring Fever" - which features an ultra-cool backing track. Can you believe my students ask for this song, year after year? Because it's written in two levels, I can accomodate that request a few times. Here's the low-down on Spring Fever:
Easter Fun - Kids are Jumpy, Antsy, and Hyper!
I don't usually write about spring flowers, Easter bunnies, or mild topics when it comes to kids.
I like to write about what kids are thinking about - like CANDY and having FUN!
St. Patrick’s Day - a Pinch of Fun!
What are kids thinking about on St. Patrick's Day?
I remember what I was thinking about as a kid. Not getting pinched! Here's how it worked when I was a kid: People wear green. If the color green is VISIBLE, other people can't pinch you. Even if it's tiny, but can be seen, you should be safe.
Of course, if you either forget or refuse to wear green, you are fair game. However, if someone isn't paying close enough attention, and they pinch you even if you DO have on green - well, you can retaliate. Most of the pinching is mild, but sometimes - it can be brutal!
Can you ignore Valentine’s Day in your studio?
of course you can. Here's some thoughts on Valentine's music for piano kids......
Why teach Valentine’s songs when we already have so MUCH to do?
Solo Piano or Group Piano?
Do you teach privately, groups, or both? It's thrilling to see kids working together towards a goal. Find the easiest piano ensembles at www.pianomusicforkids.com. Simplify your piano teaching!