Category Archives: beginners / elementary Level

Just Added: Musical Alphabet Cards

By joy (admin) | Published: 28 October 2011

There are others who have shared alphabet card printables similar to what I’m posting today, but I’m adding mine to the mix anyway.  :)  I wanted some that would work well to print onto colored cardstock paper.  Since I don’t have a color printer, this is an easy way I can still get colorful things [...]

Also posted in games, group classes, music camps, music theory, other resources, Preschool / Early Childhood Music, printables, private lessons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

2011 OhioMTA Conference (4): Piano Pedagogy 101, by Marvin Blickenstaff

By joy (admin) | Published: 18 October 2011

Here’s another session given by the well-loved pedagogue Marvin Blickenstaff from the 2011 OhioMTA Conference: Piano Pedagogy 101: Reviewing the Basics Mr. Blickenstaff introduced this session by commenting that at conferences and workshops, we often hear ideas for teaching intermediate and advanced students, but we don’t very often hear ideas for teaching beginners during that [...]

Also posted in 2011 OhioMTA, group classes, improving as a teacher | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Just Added: Rainy Rhythm Game

By joy (admin) | Published: 22 September 2011

I’ve mentioned before that during grad school, I took an Early Childhood Music course.  One of the things we discussed was using the “sound before sight” philosophy – where the student is exposed to and experiences the concepts before being taught the name or the written notation.  I’ve been doing my best to use this [...]

Also posted in games, games, group classes, music camps, other resources, Preschool / Early Childhood Music, printables, private lessons, rhythm | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Carpet Squares for Working With Groups

By joy (admin) | Published: 12 September 2011

Many months ago, I bought a bunch of carpet square samples from a flooring store.  Even though I was still in grad school at the time and didn’t have any real use for them (yet), I had a plan for them.  And they were incredibly cheap.  :) During last week’s Piano Readiness Class, I got [...]

Also posted in games, group classes, intermediate level, music camps, settings: | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Beginner Piano Game: Piano Hands Hunt

By joy (admin) | Published: 8 September 2011

I have two 5-year-old students signed up for a Piano Readiness Class, and our first class was yesterday!  We had such a fun time.  We sang songs, listened to music to find/walk to the beat, traced our hands to learn about RH/LH/finger numbers, and more.  Best of all, we played the Piano Hands Hunt game [...]

Also posted in games, group classes, movement, other resources, Preschool / Early Childhood Music | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

MiniMusic Kit for Early Childhood Music Classes

By joy (admin) | Published: 11 August 2011

In my last post, I mentioned the MiniMusic kit by Paula Manwaring (Kjos Publishing) that I purchased while I was at the NCKP conference.  The photos and description of this curriculum on the Kjos Publishing website do not do it justice!  So I decided to show you some photos I took myself.  I think many [...]

Also posted in 2011 NCKP, conferences, group classes, music camps, Preschool / Early Childhood Music, resources / links | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

A-G Animals for Young Beginners

By joy (admin) | Published: 4 July 2011

Happy 4th of July!  Today, America celebrates Independence Day.  My parents have come over to visit us and see our new place, and we have a fun day of activities planned.  :) My husband and I are still exploring our new town and figuring out where things are.  It’s kind of fun!!  :)  Last week, [...]

Also posted in games, group classes, Preschool / Early Childhood Music | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

May 2011 Giveaway: “Fearless Fortissimo” Piano Music for Boys

By joy (admin) | Published: 6 May 2011

Greetings!  Today I have two important announcements: I have finished all the requirements for my Master’s degree!  HOORAY!  =D Today we have a new GIVEAWAY!  Here are the details: Andrea & Trevor Dow from yesterday’s interview have kindly agreed to sponsor a giveaway of Episode 1 of The Adventures of Fearless Fortissimo!  This pdf is [...]

Also posted in giveaways, intermediate level, motivation, private lessons, repertoire / methods | Tagged , , , , | 40 Comments

Improvisation Activity: Rory’s Story Cubes

By joy (admin) | Published: 22 April 2011

Before I begin, allow me to give credit where credit is due for this wonderful idea: I got this idea from Laura on her blog (click here).  I was so thrilled to see her idea of using these “story cubes” for improvisation with piano students! Meet “Rory’s Story Cubes.” Rory’s Story Cubes consist of a [...]

Also posted in composition, games, group classes, improvisation, music camps, Preschool / Early Childhood Music, private lessons | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Rethinking The Student’s First Lesson

By joy (admin) | Published: 21 April 2011

Okay, so I’ve been thinking about this topic for a few weeks now, and today I’m spilling all!   Sorry about the length. =) Don’t Make My Mistake! When I first began teaching, I created a mental list of all the things I felt were essential for a new student should know.  I thought very [...]

Also posted in improving as a teacher, motivation, private lessons, settings:, studio business | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

Just Added: Introduction To The Staff Worksheet

By joy (admin) | Published: 4 April 2011

A new worksheet has just been added to the Printables > Worksheets page called: Introduction To The Staff Worksheet This worksheet is appropriate for beginners who are ready to be introduced to staff notation.  It is appropriate for use in both private and group settings. Terms used in this worksheet: line notes space notes treble [...]

Also posted in group classes, music theory, printables, private lessons, worksheets | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Faber Piano Adventures 2nd Edition

By joy (admin) | Published: 31 March 2011

Have you heard the news about the new 2nd Editions of the Faber Piano Adventures?  They’ve completed a revision of the Primer and Level 1 books, and will be doing Level 2 (and beyond?) at a later date. At the MTNA conference, I had the opportunity to look at the new books at the Hal Leonard [...]

Also posted in repertoire / methods | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments
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