What It’s Like - going from Teacher to Composer/Publisher
I didn't set out to be one of "those" people who create things.
I was happy to buy other people's stuff.
Then the pandemic hit. I was scrambling for solutions for my students. I reached out to Leila Viss, who encouraged me to try making Google Slides to teach theory.
Kids need Planning to be good at Piano
I am super excited to announce the addition of Anamarie Sabbagh to the Piano Music for Kids team!
Anamarie, a classically trained opera singer, doctoral candidate, and MBA holder, turned an unexpected journey into her life's work. With a passion for music, children, and learning, she draws from diverse experiences to offer a global perspective, believing early music education maximizes cognitive and emotional development.
Managing Children’s Feelings at Piano Lessons
I hate to admit this, but I used to make kids cry at piano lesson. Occasionally. Not every lesson, but it did happen. Over the years, I got better at managing my feelings, and theirs.
But the other day, I did it again.
Here's what happened: My student came in and happily played a Christmas song with absolutely NO rhythm. You know the drill. She just played one note after another, and then another, and then turned to me with a smile on her face.
I said something like: "Hey that's great - now let's count the rhythm!" So we counted and clapped. Then I asked her to play and - horror of horrors - COUNT OUT LOUD! She said it was too hard, I said it wasn't. I didn't notice that her lip started trembling.
A Fun, Interactive Rhythm Game for Piano Lessons
Yesterday, I worked with one of my beginner students who often struggles to hold her half notes for the full two beats. It's a common challenge with younger students, especially when they haven’t yet felt the rhythm in their bodies. For kids, understanding rhythm is much easier when they can experience it physically. That’s why I came up with a simple game that gets them moving, and it only requires a small amount of space and some washi tape.
ARE YOU ON INFORMATION OVERLOAD?
Bring Holiday Cheer to Your Young Beginners with 'O Christmas Tree' Pre-Reading Duet
REASONS FOR KIDS TO TAKE PIANO LESSONS
Make Holiday Music a Family Affair with "Go Tell It On the Mountain"
Bring Holiday Joy with "Deck the Halls" – A Beginner-Friendly Arrangement for Piano!
Pre-Reading Christmas Bundle – A Time-Saving Solution for Holiday Fun!
Holiday Gift Guide for Piano Students - 2024
I had so much fun compiling this gift guide for piano teachers!
Check out teacher favorites for gift giving, including: ornaments, socks, cards, and fun items for kids in the piano studio!
Lots of holiday gift-giving ideas for the budget-conscious teacher.
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.
Spooky and Seasonal Ensembles to Enliven Your Studio This Fall
Spooky and Seasonal Ensembles to Enliven Your Studio This Fall
As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets that crisp edge, there’s a certain magic that creeps into our studios. Fall brings with it a perfect opportunity to introduce some new, exciting, and atmospheric music that will captivate your students and keep them engaged as we transition into the cooler months.
This season, I’ve been focusing on a few favorite pieces that not only fit the autumnal mood but also offer flexibility for different skill levels in your studio. Whether you’re looking to add a little spookiness to your lessons or just want to embrace the beauty of the season, I think you’ll love these as much as I do.
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
Is Technology Taking Over Our World? How Music Teachers Are Navigating the Digital Shift in Music and Books
I’ve made my new preschool method book, Little Red Piano, available in both digital and paperback.
This book has been a hit with my youngest students. They love playing the same songs over and over (which is fine by me—they’re still learning!), and their faces light up when they see the colorful graphics and cute characters. Having the entire book available as a studio license has been a game changer for me. The PDF comes in two formats: landscape for printing and portrait for use on a tablet.
Shopping for the New NFMC Bulletin: What I Learned and What You Should Consider
If you’re on the hunt for something new, I highly recommend trying this innovative arrangement of "Autumn" from Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons." It’s incredibly flexible—you can use it as an elementary solo, duet, or trio. And yes, I’ve included sample pages and audio for you to check out!
Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How to Handle It as a Piano Teacher- 3 Tips
Agree or disagree—the world seems to be moving at a faster pace every day. As teachers, we’re constantly balancing the things we have to learn with the things we want to learn. And sometimes, it can feel like too much. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, especially by technology, you’re not alone. It’s okay to take a step back and breathe.
Why Would Anyone Teach Preschool Piano?
Why teach preschoolers? Aren't there hands too small? And, they can't read? What can we possibly do in piano lessons that would help?
In this article, I share the story of how I got started with young kids. I share how it transformed the income I was making. I also share how, when we change the goals, the outcomes can be very beneficial to young students.
Our preschool materials can really help! Read on......
Why Teaching Steady Beat First Might Not Be the Best Approach for Young Pianists
Did you know that steady beat is not the first thing you should teach to a young child? Although it’s the first lesson in many piano books, it’s not the ideal starting point for a child's musical journey. Instead, the first thing a child needs to learn is how to listen to long and short sounds