Whew! What a week! With the launch of PianoGameClub.com the excitement is definitely building. Our first two posts in the PianoGameClub series have generated over 1200 comments and Trevor and I have read every… last… one!
Not to get over-dramatic, but it feels like a revolution is happening right before our eyes and it is so inspiring to read comments from teachers with no experience to teachers with over 50 years of experience; all of whom are ready to join us in bringing game-based learning into the piano teaching spotlight!
Check out a few of highlights from our readers’ blog comments…
“I’ve just this year started using more piano games. I can’t believe the difference it has made in my students retention, understanding, and enjoyment of playing.”
“I use either games or white board activities in every lesson. This is new for me this year – and I am already seeing the results. Concepts are retained so much more easily this way!! ”
“I’m clearly not playing enough games, but intend to change that right away!”
“I haven’t done much with games but see the need; the answer to what I’ve been missing! Can’t wait to start!”
“I’m challenged now…The “if there is time” approach doesn’t work…never enough teaching time for games at the end of the lesson. Time to incorporate them “into” the lesson.”
“Learning while having fun is the best way to learn. One of my students went home last week after playing one of your games and said to her mom, “Piano was the BEST today!” ”
“After teaching piano for 45+ years, I am finally becoming convinced that adding games to lesson times is a very valuable incentive and worthwhile practice!”
“I always play games with my students, regardless of their age. Heck, I think my adult students like the games better than the kids! Apps are good but good ol’ board games, card games, etc. that you make and play one-on-one with the students are the best. They like the personal time you spend with them. With our lives being so hectic, kids these days don’t get alot of quality one-on-one. ”
“I have been incorporating games much more frequently-with awesome results! You have me convinced! ”
Of course, many of you have been on the game-based train for years, and it is your energy that will inspire your piano teaching colleagues.
Three Questions To Ask Yourself
Now, if you haven’t read the comments on our two previous posts I encourage you to check them out… and in doing so you will no doubt find answers to three recurring themes that are central to the Off-The-Bench Revolution:
- Which of my students need piano games? All of them! Of course, certain piano students (you know who they are) make their need for piano games very obvious, but don’t forget about the anxious, shy, and polite students who are begging to have their learning needs met with piano games but are too well-mannered to make it known.
- Can what I am about to explain be better learned with a piano game? Yes! Direct instruction works great for short snippets within the context of a piano piece, but when it comes time to introduce or reinforce a new concept, piano games reign superior; long-winded verbal instructions cannot compete with the increased motivation, learning engagement, and relationship building provided by piano games.
- Do I have time for piano games? Of course! When you make the mind shift to considering piano games a teaching tool and not merely a game, you’ll soon realize that there is always time for a piano game. Plus, students retain information more easily when it’s presented in a game format… meaning you’ll need to revisit and review concepts less often.
And so you’re ready… you’ve decided that piano teaching games are about to become your new secret weapon; a tool that will breathe new life into your lessons and produce motivated, engaged and progressing piano students.
But you’re left with just one more question: Where can I easily find piano games that are in-line with piano teaching concepts, that will make my piano students squeal with delight, and that are immediately applicable to my piano teaching right here, right now? Well… if you know us, you’ll know there’s nothing we love more than solving your piano teaching problems!
Why PianoGameClub Will Change Your Studio
EDIT: PianoGameClub has launched! Get four brand-new piano theory and ear training games delivered to your inbox every month the way you teach piano lessons is about to change! Build a library with the perfect game for every learning moment… and watch your piano students’ eyes light up with glee.
PianoGameClub delivers a variety of games each month that cover theory and ear training concepts for Early Elementary through Intermediate piano students. Find out more here.
