Yesterday, we asked you to share piano teaching advice you’d give to a newbie teacher. Let’s just say that your responses blew our minds and warmed our hearts all at the same time.
Andrea and I wanted our little corner of the web to be a place of positivity for piano teachers; a place where students were the number one priority, and life-long music-making was the ultimate goal.
I can honestly say that after reading your responses I know we have found the community we were looking for!
Your caring, positive approach to piano education is influencing a new generation of students who, unlike many of their parents, will grow up with wonderful memories of piano lessons. These same students will become music-loving parents who will cherish the day when they can send their own children off to piano lessons.
Yes… piano lessons are alive and well and it’s all thanks to you!
Something I Simply Had To Share
One comment in particular really meant a lot to us and it will mean a lot to all of you because it was your comments that obviously had a profound impact. Check it out below:
“For personal reasons, I wish to remain anonymous, but I just want you to know that most of your replies brought tears to my eyes. Between financial difficulties, grieving the loss of my Dad, and suffering from anxiety and depression, I’ve lost the fun in teaching and berated myself for not being more creative or fun. I’m ready to throw in the towel. But thanks to you all, and sharing your ideas, I will take the summer to relax and begin anew in September with a completely different mind set.”
Community is a powerful thing. A few words of wisdom and encouragement can do wonders.
And Now For The Giveaways
Is it cliché to say that everyone is a winner?! 🙂 But, as with all giveaways, I suppose someone has to be the winner’s winner. So, congratulations to Matthew D. and Mary G. We will be in touch very soon with details on your free copy of The Curious Case of Muttzart and Ratmaninoff or Shhh…Your Piano Teacher Thinks This is Practice.
Jo says
Please let “anonymous” know that she just needs to be herself. She doesn’t need to embrace and use every creative idea or new technology! Music is uplifting and positive and will help her through her adversity. Sharing her love of music will transfer her negative thoughts to positive sharing and love for others. Best wishes to her for healing and happiness.
Barbara says
Dear Anonymous,
We’ve got your back! I’m betting many (maybe most) of us have been where you are, but the power of music always brings us around. So glad you are going to take care of yourself over the summer. I hope you’ll spend lots of time playing the piano, enjoying music and remembering why teaching piano is a worthy pursuit. If the idea to teach has come to you it means you have something to share — in your way. (If you feel it would help to connect with another teacher more personally I give Andrea & Trevor permission to share my email with you.) Wishing you peace.
Andrea says
Love this Barbara. You’re such a warm caring person – I can tell 🙂
Cameron Weckerley says
Dear Anonymous,
You are not alone in those feelings…sometimes it helps just to know you are not the only one feeling that way.
Take Care and Best to you.
Cameron
Diane says
I have a question? I will be getting a new student at the beginning of June that has autism. He is a nice young guy but willl need lots of visual help. Is there a method series that would work better than another with him. Any suggestins on techniques would be appreciated.
thank you
Diane
Ann Daciuk says
To the teacher who will be helping a student with autism find his musicianship —
Several of my students have autism. Through some training at a local agency that specializes in helping people with different learning styles (sometimes called “disabilities”),
my students and I have found these ways to work together:
1. Use a highly-visual approach, with multiple identifiers such as red pen for Right Hand Treble Top of Staff and blue pen for Left Hand Bass Bottom of Staff.
2. Have a schedule of the lesson plan on the music stand when your student arrives. Depending on the age and skills of your student, it may be a set of icons with words beside it, or just a list such as —
First, hang up your jacket
Second, empty your satchel and place books on piano. Put satchel with your jacket.
Third, hand teacher your practice journal while saying
‘Hello.’
Fourth, wait for teacher to tell you it’s time to begin.
The lesson — scales, arpeggios, cadences or other
technique warm-up
— the method book with music student has
already prepared
— presentation of new work, teacher
pointing to notes on page while tapping
rhythm, then pointing while playing
pitches, then pointing as student taps
then plays
I use Faber and Faber’s Piano Adventures. The graphics are lovely and engaging.
All the best —
Ann Daciuk
Nancy says
Wow, Ann! This is such a thoughtful and efficient way to work with kids with autism. Thank you for sharing this!!
Nancy
Andrea says
This is such valuable advice Ann – thank you so much for taking the time to share it with us.