It’s Teach Piano Today Podcast Episode 9 and we’re continuing our Success Series, bringing you insights, advice and ideas from piano teachers around the world who are doing fabulous things in their piano teaching studios. Today we’re chatting piano theory; specifically how to effectively include it in your lessons in a way that is meaningful and memorable.
If there’s ever someone who has this down pat it’s Austin, Texas teacher Kristen Smith. To say she’s embraced the concept of inventive theory instruction is an understatement! Listen in as Kristen explains how teaching piano theory has directly contributed to the amazing success of her piano studio.
Theory and a Whole Lot More!
But this isn’t simply a discussion of how to make teaching piano theory fun, you’ll also gain insight into how Kristen takes a very systematic and organized approach to adding theory to her piano lessons. If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for a random theory game just to fill time, you’ll want to keep her words of wisdom in mind.
And while Kristen has spent a lot of her own personal time creating theory materials for her students, we know that many of you are super busy and just don’t have the time to spend to do this. If Kristen’s words inspire you to add piano theory to your studio in a new and inventive way, then our resource “Pssst….Your Piano Teacher Thinks This is Theory” is a great way to do so. Not only are the 88 activities completely memorable, engaging and motivating, but they’re also organized in a way that will allow you to immediately add piano theory to your lessons in a way that makes sense (and is ridiculously fun!)
We also wanted to remind you that this podcast can now be found in the iTunes store (still a free download) to allow you to easily add it to your iPod or smart phone. Just search “Teach Piano Today” in the iTunes store. We are so very thankful to all of you who submitted 5 star ratings last week (and if you’d like to do so again for us we’d be so appreciative). In fact… we landed in iTunes’ list of “New and Noteworthy” Podcasts this weekend, and to say this was exciting news for us is an understatement!
So pop us on your iPod, hit your jogging trail or (if it’s raining like it is here… your treadmill) and have a listen to this week’s podcast; prepare to kiss those old note spellers goodbye!
Julie Cleveland says
Hello, would like to download and listen to all your podcasts, but when I click download, doesn’t seem to be going to my iTunes or my downloads folder, I’m on a MacBook Pro, any suggestions? Thanks!
Jen says
Try searching for “Teach Piano Today” in the itunes store. That’s how I listen.
Andrea says
Hi Julie – You need to first be in iTunes, then click on “iTunes store” and then search Teach Piano Today. You’ll see all of our episodes there and can choose which to download. Once they are downloaded then you can just click and drag the file to your device. The download on the actual post is to just download it to your computer, but iTunes is the easiest way to go.
Milla Gotlib says
For some reason during podcasts I hear Andrea loud and clear, but not so much the guests. Is it possible to make a transcript?. Also, does Ms. Smith share or sells her theory games? I”m interested. Thanks.
Andrea says
Hi Milla – that’s funny about the audio… it’s normal on our end and I haven’t heard this from others. The sound is different because the interviews are done over the phone, not sure if that’s what you are hearing. Kristen does have a page for her games at http://www.musicteachingadventures.com/
Kristen Smith says
I’ve had a few questions from others to see the caterpillar scale game I use as well as other games. I am still working on getting all my games on my blog and will try to get the caterpillar scale game up by tomorrow. Until then, you can go see some of the other games I use.
http://www.musicteachingadventures.com
Kimberly Wright says
Love this interview! So helpful and inspiring!