Do you have a Bucket List? I do. In fact, people find mine annoying because I add to it constantly… like every day. I plan on living a long life, so I figure why not! I recently checked one major thing off my bucket list while boating on the weekend… we found ourselves in the middle of a pod of killer whales and I had a true “life moment”.
But this post is all about YOU and the 7 things you’ve just simply have to add to your “Piano Teaching Bucket List”:
1. Learn to Sing
There is such joy in being able to accompany yourself on the piano while singing. Grab a microphone and let it rip… but first take a few singing lessons. You’ll find that your mastery of phrasing will improve ten fold with this new slant on musical knowledge. Singers have the best phrasing out of necessity… they need to breathe!
2. Do a Duo
Find a fellow piano teaching friend and spend a chunk of time mastering a really fantastic piano duet. Sure you may still practice your own repertoire, but having a duet partner who is counting on you will give you that extra oomph to brush up on your skills. Plus it’s just plain fun!
3. Play a Steinway
A steinway to a piano teacher is like a Ferrari to a car buff. There’s just something about them that makes us salivate. But most of us can’t afford the price tag! Find a piano store that will let you spend some time drooling over the best of the best. Bring your favourite sheet music and spend 30 minutes just enjoying the sound of a Steinway.
4. Take Piano Lessons
This is a hard one, but it’s one of the most valuable things you can do as a piano teacher. Not only is it good for you to be on the opposite end of the lesson situation, but you’ll also find yourself refreshed by the new perspectives of a different teacher. Visit your local college and get a list of the profs who also teach privately. Put yourself out there and give it a shot!
5. Go to Europe
Piano teachers need to go to Europe. Actually, everyone needs to go to Europe. If we could, Trevor and I would move there in a flash! There is something about being surrounded by history that gives you a fresh take on the music you have played for years. You need to know what it feels like to be in a huge stone cathedral… or in a gold-plated castle ballroom to truly understand where this music that we teach every day comes from. And if you want any pointers on where to visit, email us… we love to talk travel!
6. Watch Dueling Pianos
For a really fun take on what this instrument we all love can do to a fun-seeking crowd, check out a duelling piano bar. The atmosphere just can’t be beat and (depending on the bar you choose) there is some amazing talent that can improvise any requested tune at the drop of a hat (or the drop of some cash into their jar!). They may not be the best singers (or the most technical pianists) but they sure know how to make a crowd beg for piano music! Billy Kraus at the Paris hotel in Vegas is a master. In my next life I would love to make a living doing this! 🙂
7. Teach a Family Member
There is nothing more gratifying than teaching a loved one to play the piano. Pass on more than just your genes and give the gift of piano to someone you hold dear. It doesn’t need to be formal… and they don’t need to be your star student… but spending some bonding time on the bench just can’t be beat!
What’s on your Piano Teaching Bucket List? Comment below to share your absolute “must-do’s”.
Alice Peterson says
Wow!! I feel successful. I’ve done all but # 6.
A “dueling” piano bar? How is that different from a regular piano bar? And where do you find one? Just so that I can say I completed the whole list:)
Andrea says
Hi Alice!
6 – that’s impressive! 🙂 A dueling piano bar is like a piano bar… but with two grand pianos on stage instead of just 1 – the two performers trade melody lines back and forth and play off each other while improvising. Head to Vegas for a choice of 3 piano bars or there’s a famous on in Pat O’Brien’s bar in New Orleans!
suzy reiser says
I love your bucket list because it is so similar to mine. I am able to go to Europe every summer and immerse myself in music history, it’s such a wonderful renewal! If you can make one trip to Europe it has to be to Vienna there’s nothing like walking through Beethoven’s apartments and imagining him being there.
Tina Federico says
I have just recently started teaching my mom to play the piano. It is great to see the joy in her eyes when she realizes her potential. She never thought she could play hands-together nor memorize her piano pieces. It is something I wanted to do to give back to her for taking me to piano lessons when I was young. Definitely something every piano teacher should try!
leslie says
I would add…Write a piece of music and perform it! 🙂 Great list!
Mary says
I’m so glad I found you! I’m teaching piano to my two G’kids and one of their friends. first time teaching piano and little kids. I retired from teaching high school English. Working for past three years with the older kids who are now ten has gone well. I’ve tried to give them what I wish I’d had when I studied piano – duets, theory, comp, improv, accompaniment, listening (and your last blog reminded me that I’ve been neglecting playing by ear).
then my 5.5 yr old grand son desperately wanted to learn, too. what a difference in learning styles! we stumbled along together for several months with him telling me what he wanted to learn. He wouldn’t use the Alfred beginner book because of the horizontal format. The big kids’ books are vertical! so he learned the last song in book one and proceeded to book two. the pattern that developed has been giant steps forward then going back to fill in the blanks.
Then I found your blog and Fearless Fortissimo! big success! Also the Practice assignments have worked really well, too, especially the ones that involve the whole family. Having material so different from his sister has really helped diminish his competitive drive and led to some huge musical leaps forward. thanks so much! I’ll keep reading….
Andrea says
Hi Mary,
We’re happy you found us too! I’m so glad that Fortissimo and the Practice Book have worked well with your grandson 🙂 Have a great day!
Karen Benson says
I think the play “Two Pianos, Four Hands” would qualify as duelling pianos! Fabulous play!
Tara Johnson says
I have missed making time to read your posts! I am back on track now and feeling inspired! Now, to find the time to do all that you encourage us to accomplish! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, joy, discouragements and successes with us! Hugs from California!
Andrea says
Great to have you back Tara! 🙂