You have signed up for piano lessons… Now what? We all know that we need to practice to improve in any skill. Learning piano is no exception. The beginning of the journey is the most crucial time to set up for success because it is easier to build a new habit when motivation is high. Let me be perfectly frank about something: You are not always going to feel like practicing. But it is the consistent showing up that builds the skills, and the more progress you are making, the

How music can help establish smoother transitions It’s Monday morning. Your kiddo was supposed to get up a half hour ago, but they are barely dragging themselves out of bed and now have only ten minutes to get ready for school. Chaos and panic ensue. You are stressed and irritated. Your child is having a meltdown. By the time you get out the door, you both feel like the day has already chewed you up and spit you out… Is this a familiar scene in your home? When my daughter (wh

I have been teaching piano lessons for close to ten years now and I have noticed a wide variety of commitment levels to practicing across my studio. And I think that what it all boils down to is your answer to these questions: “Why do I want my child to learn a musical instrument? What do I hope for them to get out of it?” There is no single right answer to these questions. Your reasons are personal to you. But I want you to take a step back for a moment and reflect on your a

Over the past 5 years or so, I have experimented with different formats for teaching group piano lessons and have landed on something that works really well. After taking a course from another piano teacher who has had high success and excellent student progress using this format in her studio, I decided to revamp my whole group piano program. This is what is happening… Students have started becoming more independent learners. They come to class and know what they are sup