We just about had a heart attack yesterday as we sifted through our piano teaching posts, whittling them down to the Top 5 Posts of 2014.
Why the heart palpitations?…
Because there are now 722 posts on our blog… filled with piano teaching advice, tips and resources. Obviously time (and blog posts) fly when you’re having fun! But… the best part of our little “look back in time” was the 7,183 comments on our blog; comments from readers like you sharing their wisdom with the piano teaching world! What an amazing amount of knowledge. We are humbled daily by the wonderful people we are in contact with through this blog.
And so if you haven’t had time to read through all 722 posts (at a rate of 2 per day you’ll have ‘er beat by next New Years!) and the 7,183 comments on those posts, we thought we’d give you a snapshot of the Top 5 Piano Teaching Posts of 2014. Check out the links below for the crowd faves of the past year.
In 1st Place
By The End Of This Post You’ll Be Teaching Improv To Students As Young as 5. This post blew up on Pinterest and Facebook and kids all over the world now know how to take those freebie paint chips from a hardware store and turn them into their own compositions!
In 2nd Place
Your Not-So-Musical Parents Need This Piano Practice Cheat Sheet. This free printable was just what piano teachers seemed to need to encourage parental participation in home practice. One commenter summed it up by saying “Wow! As always, your ideas are so incredibly on time! A parent emailed me, wanting to help her children to practice better, and I was able to email back encouragement, and include the parent cheat sheet.”
In 3rd Place
Kick Flick: I You’ll Make Time For This Soccer-Themed Piano Teaching Game. This post caused MCH (Mass Commenting Hysteria) as over 547 comments were posted on this single post! The best part? Every comment is an insanely useful tip on how to save time in piano lessons (and therefore make the time to play amazing piano teaching games!) Check out the post for tips on how to store those games and use those games… and hear from seasoned teachers how to make your lessons as efficient as possible.
In 4th Place
The Boring-to-Brilliant Cheat Sheet – How to Pump Up The Excitement In Any Piece. Who doesn’t need these ideas! Sometimes there are pieces that aren’t particularly motivating… but they’re needed for their educational value. Over 1,100 Pinterest users decided that this post was a keeper!
In 5th Place
Why You Won’t Hear This Piano Teacher Complain… Even on Blue Monday. Blue Monday is on the horizon.. so you’d best check out this post as a pre-emptive strike. This was likely the most personal post I’ve ever written, and it hit home with a lot of teachers who shared some truly wonderful sentiments in the comments. Check it out for the boost you need.
Happy New Year… Let’s Make 2015 One To Remember!
Trevor and I have committed to making 2015 the best year yet on the TeachPianoToday blog. The resources we’re working on, the posts we have yet to write, and the enthusiasm we love to share with all of you is waiting in the wings. So, toast the New Year with anticipation and happiness knowing your piano teaching is about to get even better! Cheers and Happy New Year to all of you.
Barbara says
I really like when you refer to previous posts. Most times I’ve read them, but I always find a new tidbit when I read a second time. And sometimes I have missed them and am happy for a second chance.
I’m so glad you included the “Blue Monday” post. And I’m equally grateful for all of the comments made on that post — yep, I read each of them again. It is such a great reminder of that we are all so much more than “just our job.” Andrea, Trevor and this community inspire me to be my best for my students AND their families. Thanks and Happy 2015 to All.
Dorla says
Hmmmm……I missed every single one of these posts! Thanks for reposting!
Sandra says
Thanks for the reminder. There were a couple of ideas I meant to try which got lost in the shuffle. I need to create a special file for my favourite TPT posts.
Lauren Averill says
One of my luckiest days EVER was when I read about your blog and signed up to receive your postings!! You have brought so much joy to me, as a piano teacher now for 35 years, and to my students, who have been enjoying many of your piano games and ideas. Thank you, thank you!! Happy New Year!
Milla says
All this is a great stuff. I am a better teacher now, thanks to you. Have a great year
Andrea says
Glad to hear it Milla 🙂 Happy New Year to you too!
Shelley says
I’m going to be using the paint chip idea to spur on creative juices for composing. We’ll be starting next week. Looking forward to the compositions that spring forth!!!
Ruth says
What a happy difference you make in all our lives!
I also have downloaded every podcast and relisten to them as I clean the kitchen or lay in bed at night. Remind people of those too.
Thank you and best wishes for 2015!
Andrea says
So kind of you Ruth – thanks for your comment 🙂 Happy to be a part of your kitchen cleaning!
Brenda Bowers says
I love your resources! My piano students LOVE coming to their lessons, and I am having a blast teaching them. I was wondering if you have a listing somewhere of your games by level and lesson being taught. I’m working on a spreadsheet that cross references all of my lesson books I use Faber & Faber) with the online game website I use, and I would really like to add all of your games, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!
Andrea says
Just emailed you Brenda 🙂