A 30-minute piano lesson can feel as though someone pressed fast-foward on your clock. Exam prep, recital prep, method book work, technical work, composing, piano games…
… and often it’s piano games that get left behind.
But wait! What if we told you that using piano games in your lessons will actually *save* you time?! How?
When children learn new concepts or review past concepts within the context of a game, they are fully engaged in the process. No time is spent re-directing, re-motivating or re-focusing… you have an eager learner beside you ready to soak it all in! Plus… your piano student will retain information more easily when it is presented in a game-based context because he is completely engaged in the process: he wants to win the game!
Keep reading to find out how you can easily incorporate piano games into your lessons… even when time is tight.
Make Time For Games With These 5 Strategies
So… there it is… the one hurdle to including game-based learning regularly is TIME. Fortunately, you can use a couple of simple strategies to crush that hurdle, and pave the way to studio success…
1. Easy Peasy Method Book Notes
I believe so strongly in using game-based learning, that before I send a student home with a new method book, I first add some of my own notes to the header of each piano piece in the book.
In the header (in a discrete area and in a tidy way) I write down the names of one or two piano games that reinforce the concepts being learned in the piano piece. Along with the title of the game, I also note the bin number where it is stored for quick reference (more on that later).
By doing this in advance, I eliminate any time spent deciding which is the correct game to use and then searching through my storage bins to find it. And because the information is directly written on the piano piece that is already open on the piano, it also eliminates the time I might spend opening my teaching binder and referencing a spreadsheet… every second counts!
This strategy requires a bit of prep work, but if you only use two or three method books, you quickly remember which piano games go with which pieces and making the notes before sending the method book home is easy-peasy.
2. Piano Game Days
The first time you play a piano game, you are bound to spend more than 5 minutes learning how the game is played. But once your kids know the rules, playing that game in future lessons takes a fraction of the time.
Because of this, you might want to consider hosting a Piano Game Day one weekend every month or two. During this day, you can teach your piano students how to play all of the fun new games you have.
Then, when your students come for their regular individual lessons, they are ready to roll and no time is wasted learning the games.
Piano Game Days are also a brilliant way to add to your teaching income and to help your piano students meet other music-minded friends, hereby building a sense of community.
3. Game Storage
You’re probably also wondering how to store your piano games so that you can easily grab exactly what you need… and spare yourself from a chaotic studio where spare dice cause tripping hazards and game boards and cards spill from every shelf.
So, I’m going to let you in on my game-storage secret!
As you see in the photo – each of my games has its own folder. Here’s how I set up all of my game folders:
1) Purchase “2 pocket” folders (at the Dollar Tree – 2 for $1.25)
2) Tape the (included) game cover page to the front of the folder.
3) Place the game board in the right-hand side pocket
4) Place the game play instructions in the left-hand side pocket
5) Contain all playing cards, die and game markers that are needed for that specific game in a ziploc bag that is then tucked into the left-hand side pocket.
Store your games in an open basket or bin so you can see the title labels easily, and separate your bins according to learning outcome. I have bins labelled as “1: Rhythm”, “2: Note Reading”, and “3: Ear Training” to name a few. Larger game items (chalk, balls, percussion instruments etc.) go in a bin with a lid… learned that lesson the hard way 😉
With this system you can find the exact game that works to reinforce your lesson focus, have everything you need to play immediately at your fingertips (including instructions if needed), and know exactly where to find each game folder.
4. Take-Home Piano Games
Reaping the many necessary benefits of game-based learning does not only need to happen during a piano lesson!
Consider creating Take-Home Game Bags that your students can check out and take home every week. This is a great strategy for reinforcing lesson concepts AND, what I consider to be even more important… getting parents involved in home practice!
If you choose to become a PianoGameClub member you’ll have new games every month to make a program like this a smashing success!
My Final (And Most Important) Strategy… errrr Philosophy
Truth be told I believe there is ALWAYS time for piano games.
I came to realize this when I started to think of them not as games, but as teaching tools. Then, suddenly, game-based learning became much more than a brain-break… it became a philosophy.
And this philosophy is guided by one very simple question:
“Can what I am about to explain be better off learned with a piano game?”
By adopting this philosophy, you’ll discover, as I did, that there is no need to “make time” for piano games. Piano games become a necessary component of any lesson, and a necessary tool that results in better understanding and increased motivation.
Get A FREE Piano Game!
Now for the best part… we have a great soccer-themed piano game to send your way that will improve bass clef note reading! All you have to do is share with us in the comments below one little time-saving tip that you use to help make the most of your precious piano lesson minutes.
And remember… everyone who leaves a comment will receive the game (Kick Flick) by email 🙂
Thx! for the idea of music game day, I will try it and see how it goes, thankyou again!
I have my student play a quick game while I am looking over and correcting the theory assignment.
Get started right away! Ask them how things are going, etc., while we are walking to the piano and then refocus to piano thinking as soon as we sit down!
During or after a lesson I write on a stickie next to my chair a to do list for myself to prepare for the next lesson so I don’t forget the things I was thinking would help (or things I promised the student!).
Having things planned out ahead of time before the lesson — what games I’m going to use, what additional worksheets to do with them, etc. Taking notes at the end of the lesson for additional things that I need to have ready for that student’s next week’s lesson.
When students have a concept they are not getting, like holding a half note for TWO full beats, I give them a “Christmas Present”. On one of the back sheets in their assignment book, I draw a GIANT half note in green and in red I write “Merry Christmas!!” When they have an unusually good lesson, on their assignment sheet I draw a happy cat. I make a big fuss and say things like “You played so well, I’m going to put eyelashes on this one”. These drawings take 20 seconds tops. My students really look forward to them.
As much as possible I have the student write practice instructions on a post-it note to place in their book – and that allows me time to write the instructions down on my computer at the same time, so I have a written record.
I keep a file folder for each of my students and weekly add the exercises and additional pieces I would like them to learn in their folders. I also create charts for students preparing for exams with the technical requirements listed. As skills are mastered the student colors in the small icon attached to each one.
With younger beginners I use the finger wiggle game to help the students learn right hand from left as well as the finger numbers. The wiggles the finger I ask them too.
I give my students a solo piano game or activity to work on while I am writing down all of their assignments and exercises to work on during the week.
Also, maybe you are not caught up yet with the last giveaway, but I did not ever receive an email with the frog piano game. If you’re still working through the list, I understand! 🙂
all my student’s lessons are planned and outlined in a large binder along with the handouts they will need. I update this after every lesson Takes time but I have what I need at hand during the lessons
I’m just beginning to use games within lessons, but I’ve learned that flexibility is key. If a student is struggling with a concept, pull out a game/activity immediately-don’t wait until a specific time of the lesson.
My time saver is using Music Teachers Helper to record notes on the lessons! I am able to immediately identify where my students need help and make note of it. Over the weekend, I print up all my daily schedules with notes and start pulling all of my worksheets, activities, and the many books you have provided and start xeroxing away! I am all prepared for the following week!
Taking a minute or two to CHAT with my student and have them let me know how their day went is super helpful! They feel validated, heard and getting something off their chest often helps the lesson go much more smoothly. Plus I know how much I can expect from them. If their hamster died earlier that day…you can pretty much assume that sitting on the bench isn’t going to get you anywhere.
Wow! How do you find the time! These are great ideas!
To save time I have a file folder for each student and a lesson plan sheet for each month. We play a game at almost every lesson. When I do my lesson plans I write down which game we will play and sometimes put it in their folder so all I have to do at the beginning of each lesson is grab the students file folder.
I take a picture of their weekly assignment sheet at the end of each lesson. The picture loads directly to Evernote. When I prep for the next lesson, I can pull out applicable games and activities to coordinate with what they will learn that day.
I have a lot of incentive charts and a large lending library, so I always try to write in their assignments while students are choosing a new libary book or putting stickers on their incentive charts.
I go over their theory work while
They play a piece since they usually are playing it more than once – I’m not losing any time. Also – I work full-time and teach lessons on the side so finding time for recitals is hard. I occasionally take a video of my student playing one of their favorite pieces that has a duet part – send the video to their parents so they can see and hear us play together. Parents seem to enjoy it
I use a lot of books in each level with children. I am excited about trying to also work in games, but finding the time seems difficult as I try to imagine it. Makes me feel old, but I am determined to try it. Thanks for the tips on how to organize them; I was wondering about that.
To save time at the beginning of each lesson, here’s the drill. The student completes the following as fast as possible.
1. Put Music book bag and coat on ‘music’ chair.
2. Put Piano books on the game table.
3. Put on Hand Sanitizer
4. Bow Smile
5. Ring the Bell and
Zappo we begin.
While they are doing their ‘entrance routine’ I check their practice record and their Lesson Plan.
It saves a couple minutes….but, everyone counts.
THANKS GUYS. You rock.
I have my students open a book and begin playing their first piece while I check their practice calendar.
I’m working on getting students to come in and open their books in the order on their assignment book, and then to practice something if I’m still talking with a parent.
My lesson time-saving trick is to consciously try to limit MY talking…..a work in progress! 😉
Every student has their own folder that I keep notes, music, game ideas, scales, etc. Then each day I teach, Monday through Friday, I can find each student in order. The lesson always starts out with ?? How each students day is going. Then out comes the games. I try to use 5 minutes for games then on to the music new or old we are using & learning. iPad is also used every lesson. Thank you for all the wonderful ideas you have compiled for our use!! It is so fun learning from each other & you take this a step further!! You guys are incredible!!
I have found dry wipe worksheets to be really usefull.
The student enjoys using the whiteboard pen and I save on printing, I can even use the same sheet twice with same student a few weeks later to check progress.
Stephen
This is a great post! Incorporating more music games into my teaching is something I definitely want to do.
My time-saving tip is taking a moment after I finish teaching to write down something about each student that I taught that day – what went well, what didn’t go well, what I covered today, what I need to cover in the next lesson, etc. This helps me not forget important things and stay on track in the next lesson.
Always looking for games my sport loving students will enjoy. Know they will enjoys soccer themed game.
I choose a “game of the week” or picture of the week and incorporate for everyone, with the exception of advanced students when it comes to the game. I take the time between students to set it up, which saves time.
I always have pencils sharpened, games and fun work sheets set out, and small treats or prizes ready for the students that have earned the required amount of stickers.
I use games a lot in my teaching. Anything to help make learning fun!
I like to organize and find that using large 3 ring binders to organize games by season, or by category works well. Three ring page protectors, pockets and dividers are invaluable for use in the organization process. I like to have things where I can put my hands on it at a moments notice. Advance planning is important, but sometimes you need that instant fix for a problem.
Wow!! Lots of great ideas! My tip is to ask the student what I’m to be writing in their notebook regarding piece ‘to dos’. They feel a sense of responsibility and ownership of the weeks material.
I use folders with pockets for each day. The list of students and where they are on one side. Paper-clipped copies or list of games on the other
I keep a chart for each student of the corresponding lessons/pages of their different books. I check off each page (on the chart) as they finish it, & therefore am able to know at a glance exactly where they are.
Time saver? Hmm, I have been keeping my games in file folders in my file cabinet. I thought it was saving time (and space) but now hearing about folders, the file cabinet’s not much of a time saver at all!
I give each student a list of technique that is appropriate for their level so that I don’t have to write it out in their notebook each week
Sticky notes for bookmarks. It’s a huge time saver for me and there is no excuse for my students to say, “I didn’t know I had to play that one!” I use the mini stickies and they stick multiple times. They’re great!!
I prepare for all my lessons one night per week, usually Mondays, after my kids go to bed. So I gather all materials needed and put them by my piano so I am ready to go. That way I am not searching for what is needed during the lessons. I also prepare in case there is extra time in the lesson.
I have a loose leaf binder for each student. I take notes on my copy of their practice journal page and after lessons are over for the day I plan the lesson for the following week. On lesson day I just look over what we’ll be doing and get games etc. ready before students arrive. Preparation prevents panic 🙂
I love the idea of games. I think it makes sense to make a distinction between the school day and the piano lesson. I will have to spend some time copying the games ( I don’t have a color printer), learning how to use them as, for now, I will be just teaching my first student.
Any helpful hints would be appreciated.
Time saving tip: Keep all lesson materials and notes in a binder, with a section for each student. That makes it easy to make sure I have the right paper and activities at hand for each lesson.
So agree with games and time-out during a lesson. Especially for boys, the sports oriented ones are great.
I have not done this yet, but I am planning on creating a list of the games that I have categorized by the concept that they reinforce. We have multiple teachers in my studio, so this resource will help all of them know what is available for thier use with thier students.
Wow some great ideas! I have only recently discovered this website and I’m hooked. Looking forward to building up my piano games
I’m sure others do this also, but I like using small plastic “flags” to mark the pages of student books. No more flipping pages to find this week’s piano piece! I am also a big fan of plastic page protectors in a three ring binder. I use them for all kinds of paper that can be filed.
I really appreciate all your wonderful ideas, but am loving the games and your organization idea! Thank you!
I use pre-printed assignment sheets to save lesson time so I don’t have to write out practice charts, book names, etc.
Thanks for all of your great resources!
While I’m writing down their assignment I’ll have them pick their stickers for the songs they passed or if I need to copy something I’ll have them work on a theory page
My tips have been shared, but being organized and flexible and patient seem to be top priorities for all of us.