Off-Bench Piano Activities: Teach Steps and Skips Through Movement 🎹✨
Teaching piano to young beginners doesn’t have to stay at the bench—this off-bench activity using alphabet cards gets kids moving, while building the foundation for understanding steps and skips in music.
News flash for piano teachers: off-bench activities are WAY more than just apps or games.
If you’ve ever felt like “off the bench” time in your piano studio was just a bonus activity or a reward, I want to challenge that thinking. Because here’s the truth: movement isn’t extra — it’s essential. And when it comes to teaching early concepts like steps and skips, getting kids up and moving might be one of the most powerful teaching tools you have.
Thank you for being a friend…
Do you have music teacher friends? Is it even important these days?
Every where I have lived, I have had a community of music teacher friends, or like-minded musicians.
This has taken different forms. Sometimes it was my colleagues at a public school or music academy.
Mostly- I’ve been a member of a local MTA group. (If you don’t know what that is - it is the local group of music teachers that is affiliated with Music Teachers National Association - our US teacher group.)
I’ve had a local group since the late 1990s. Until I didn’t.
Learn from My Mistake: The Avoidable Teaching Misstep That Leads to “WOW” Piano Playing
I used to think every phrase should crescendo to the high note. That’s where the energy is, right?
But something always sounded… off.
It wasn’t until I attended a fantastic conference session with Peter Mack that I finally had my “aha” moment. He talked about the emotional arc of a phrase—and suddenly, everything clicked.
The High Note Isn’t Always the Climax
Sometimes, the high note lands on a weak beat.
It might be a passing tone or even part of a gentle descent meant to release tension, not build it.
That changed the way I listened—and the way I taught.
Now, I invite my students to listen first and analyze second. We don’t just follow the contour of a melody. We ask:
Where does the phrase want to go?
What kind of character does it have?
Where’s the real destination?
It’s not just technical. It’s emotional. It’s artistic. And it’s where the magic happens.
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!
ARE YOU ON INFORMATION OVERLOAD?
Humans are not slot machines…
Humans are not slot machines…
Especially your beginner student humans. Slot machines are devices that you put coins in, and hope you hit the jackpot.
Tackling the No-Practice Dilemma: Practical Solutions for Piano Teachers
I know this topic hits close to home for many of you. The subject of zero practice is one that resonates deeply with teachers, and I’ve heard from quite a few of you sharing your thoughts and strategies.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Zero Practice
When a student walks into a lesson without having practiced, it can stir up a mix of emotions. A bit of frustration, maybe a touch of panic as you scramble for what to do next, and a steady resolve to keep calm and make the most of the time you have together.
In moments like these, I find myself mentally sifting through all the possible options, weighing each one against what I know about the student in front of me. What’s the best way to keep them engaged and learning, even without the expected practice?
Navigating the No-Practice Season: Why Shaming Isn’t the Answer
Let’s be real—modern life is chaotic. Gone are the days when parents could easily manage their kids' schedules, carving out that precious time for piano practice. Sure, some families still have it together, but for many, it’s a daily juggling act. And in that mix, practice time often gets squeezed out.
But here's the thing—before we point fingers, let’s consider the bigger picture.
The Realities of Modern Family Life
Kids today are often over-scheduled, but it’s not always due to poor planning or lack of prioritization. Life happens. Think about the avalanche of homework, last-minute sports schedule changes, or the complexities of dividing time between custodial parents. These
5 Piano Teachers You Need to Know!
3 Top Time Savers for Piano Teachers
This week, I broke my own rule!
Explore Music - an activity book for kids
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!
Saving a Sea Turtle Through Piano Practice!
How one piano teacher and her piano students used piano practice to adopt an animal at the zoo.