Category Archives: improving as a teacher

Forum Q&A | When to Say “No” to a Potential Student

By joy (admin) | Published: 14 July 2011

For our previous Forum Q&A, I asked about the legal side of being a business – becoming a Sole Proprietorship or an LLC, dealing with taxes, etc.  My previous private teaching has mostly been as an employee of the university’s Community Music School.  I find all the legal stuff for getting set up on your [...]

Also posted in studio business | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

Determining Tuition Rates for Piano Teaching

By joy (admin) | Published: 5 July 2011

Every once in a while, I receive emails from readers wondering if their tuition rates are appropriate. Setting rates is a difficult topic to talk about, because for one thing, rate depend largely on the area where you live. For that reason, I can’t advise exact numbers — but with this article I hope to offer some guidelines and suggestions regarding this topic nevertheless.

Also posted in professional development, studio business | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 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 beginners / elementary Level, motivation, musings, private lessons, settings:, studio business | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Forum Q&A | Memorization for Performances: Required or Optional?

By joy (admin) | Published: 8 March 2011

Last week we discussed how to teach legato pedaling to students, and we got a few great responses – click here to check them out!  As always, feel free to add your thoughts to the discussion! This week, we are considering the topic of memorization.  I’ve seen great discussions about this topic on many websites [...]

Also posted in Forum Q&A's, memorization, recitals / performances | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Forum Q&A | How do you teach legato pedaling?

By joy (admin) | Published: 1 March 2011

Last week, we discussed standardized testing – the advantages and disadvantages, do you require it, and why, etc..  Click here to read the comments that were left!  As always, it’s never too late to add your thoughts so feel free to jump into the conversation. This week, we are going to talk about pedaling.  Pedaling [...]

Also posted in Forum Q&A's, intermediate level, practicing | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Announcing the Launch of the “Reading List” Page

By joy (admin) | Published: 21 February 2011

Hello readers! Today marks the official launch of the new “Reading List” page!  I’m very excited about this new part of Color In My Piano. The Book List contains links to TONS of great books and resources on a variety of topics.  When you’ve got a great book to recommend, visit the Reading List page [...]

Also posted in resources / links, reviews | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Teaching With the Student’s Goals in Mind

By joy (admin) | Published: 28 January 2011

This week I gave a few first lessons to some new students.  One of the things I always ask during the first lesson/interview is: What are some of your goals in taking piano lessons? Here are some examples of answers I’ve received from students: I want to be able to play classical pieces that everyone [...]

Also posted in motivation | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Thoughts on the Teaching Philosophy

By joy (admin) | Published: 6 January 2011

Reasons why you if you don’t have a written teaching philosophy, you should write one — and if you are using the one you wrote in college, you should consider updating it regularly.

Also posted in musings, studio business | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The January Forum: What are your teaching goals for 2011?

By joy (admin) | Published: 31 December 2010

Last month’s discussion forum brought out some great comments from you all! Most of you agreed that the teacher should play something on student recitals when possible, as long as the piece is not overly showy. The dicussion topic for the January Forum: Do you have any teaching goals for 2011? What changes or improvements [...]

Also posted in Forum Q&A's, studio business | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Teaching Tip: Engaging the Emotions

By joy (admin) | Published: 19 November 2010

A discussion about the effectiveness of engaging the student’s emotions to encourage learning in the piano lesson.

Also posted in motivation, private lessons | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments
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