New to Color In My Piano? This page is a great place to start! Below is a listing of some popular posts from the archives.
A Little More About Joy
- Celebrating 13 Years of Blogging! | This blogiversary post shares some history and background about Color In My Piano.
- Tour of My Piano Studio | View some pictures of my studio set-up.
- My Piano Purchase | The story of my purchase of my Kawai 5’7”.
- A Peek into the Incentive Program Prize Box | One of the ways I motivate my students.
- About Running Summer Music Camps/Workshops | Every summer, I offer a few summer music camps. Here is how I do it!
Piano Pedagogy
- Rethinking the Student’s First Lesson | Ideas for how to give a student’s first piano lesson.
- Developing a Good Sense of Rhythm | The three components to developing a good sense of rhythm in our students.
- The Role of Intervalic Reading When Reading Music | It’s just as important for our students to be able to identify intervals fluently as it is for them to be able to identify note-names fluently!
- Teaching Tip – Leaping Across the Keyboard | Some ideas about helping students learn how to deal with large leaps/moves on the keyboard.
- Introducing Students to New Pieces | A checklist of ideas for introducing a new piece.
- Teaching Tip: Achieving Fluency | Do you have a student who frequently hesitate as they play? Here are some ideas for troubleshooting the cause.
- Teaching Tip: Engaging the Emotions | Increase learning by engaging your student’s emotions.
Other Teaching Tips
- 9 Tips for Teaching Piano to Young Ages | Some tips for teaching students age 6 and under.
- Tips for a Successful First Recital | Some ideas to help with planning a student recital.
- 9 Ideas for Motivating Piano Students | Every student is different – here’s some ideas for finding out how to motivate your students.
- What Motivates Musicians & Music Students? | A more in-depth discussion of motivation and how it works.
- Teaching Music Theory: Our Responsibility | Why piano teachers should always include a theory component.
- Analogies for Finger/Hand Shape | Teachers share creative ideas for getting students to curve their fingers!
- Music + Imagination | Musings about inspiration, imagination, and engagement with music.
- 6 Ways to Stay Connected to Parents | Ideas for keeping the lines of communication open.
- Over 20 Musical Spins on Favorite Games | Make games like Candyland or Jenga into music games!
- Thoughts on the Teaching Philosophy | Why you should write a teaching philosophy, and some ideas to get you started!
- 6 Ways for Teachers to Stay Current | Teachers are never done learning!
- Being a Member of MTNA or other Professional Organizations | Why you should consider joining MTNA.
- 9 First Classical Anthologies for Piano Students | My review of various classical anthologies that are appropriate for early elementary level students.
- Un-Method Books for Piano Students | My review of various alternatives to your favorite traditional piano methods.
Studio Business
- Determining Tuition Rates for Piano Teaching | Thoughts about how to set rates, raise rates, etc.
- Studio Marketing: Creating Value | Here’s a better option than marketing your services for their “low rates.” 🙂
- Humidity and My Piano | Use a hygrometer to check the humidity levels to help keep your piano in tune.
- What to Include in your Studio Policies | What to include, and what not to include? Check it out.
- My Thoughts on Practice Requirements | Rethinking the timed practice requirement.
- Incentive Programs | My thoughts on incentive programs, plus some ideas to get you started in creating your own.
- Teaching Music Theory: Our Responsibility | Thoughts on why and how to include theory in the private lesson setting.
- 30 Theme Ideas for Music Studio Events | Check out these fun theme ideas for music studio events.
Technology
- Making Music Worksheets Using Music Fonts | Learn how you can create your own music worksheets using Microsoft Publisher (or a similar program) and some free music fonts.
- Free Website Builder: Weebly.com | In this post, I highly recommend using this site for creating your own studio website if you don’t have one already. The best part about Weebly.com? It’s free!
Recitals
- Benefits of Holding A Piano Studio Recital | a list of reasons why to hold a piano recital for your students to participate in!
- Checklist for Planning Student Recitals | This handy post gives a “to-do” checklist for planning a studio recital — very appropriate as the we approach the spring recital season!
- What to Say at Student Recitals | Have an upcoming student recital, but are unsure of what to say to in front of all those faces? Check out this post for ideas.
- 30 Theme Ideas for Music Studio Events | Ideas for adding a fun twist to the traditional student recital!
- Practice Performing | Ideas to get students mentally prepared before a performance.
- Thoughts on Memorization: A Skill Integral to Piano Playing? | A discussion about the value of teaching memorization.
- 12 Tips for Memorizing Piano Music | Some tips and ideas for memorizing piano music.
- Dealing with Performance Anxiety | Tips and ideas for coping with performance anxiety — both before and during a performance.
Don’t forget to visit the Printables page to see all the free resources you can download and enjoy. 🙂
What Readers Are Saying
“Another piano teacher introduced me to your blog and web site when I started teaching 3 1/2 years ago. She was careful to only lead me to people that would be most helpful and you were one of those people! I love the example you are of being a lifelong learner. Thank you for sharing through your blog and resources.” –Juli
“Joy, I can’t remember how I found your blog … it’s been many years now. I always love reading your thoughts on music teaching and have used many printables from your shop You are definitely a bright star in the piano teacher blogging world.” –Saundra
“I’ve been following your blog for about 10 years. I have used a number of your resources, and when I find a need for some type of resource, I tend to check your shop first because I have absolutely loved the style and quality of materials you have put together – it is always so well done!” –Valerie M.
“Your blog has helped me to think outside the box beyond only using traditional books and worksheets to teach kids how to play the piano and understand reading music. I have followed your blog for at least 3 years. Thanks for the inspiration!” –Becky C.
“I’ve been following colorinmypiano.com for all 13 years. It is so fun to be connected to a dedicated piano teacher who is honest and open about her life. Joy, you are so refreshing! Your direct, simple approach in discussing various aspects of teaching, how you personally grow and how you deal with the ever changing music scene is what appeals to me the most!” –Susan C.
“Joy, I discovered your blog a number of years ago, (8 to 10 years ago), and was impressed with how clearly your intentions were. You wanted to equip teachers to be better at what they do. You have a large library of resources that I have tapped into, used and shared with my students. I enjoy your challenges, and am presently taking your digital course. Your insight, passion and encouragement is appreciated. Keep up the awesome blogging, teaching and inspiring.” –Cyndi V.
“I am not sure when I started following your blog, but it was probably because someone from the Grand Rapids Piano Teachers Forum recommended it. And I’m so grateful for all the wonderful ideas, guidance, and resources you have shared. When I attended one of your retreats, I saw firsthand that you are gracious, sincere, and knowledgeable, and your humble curiosity and desire to keep learning is such an inspiration. Even though I also started teaching in college (a mere 40+ years ago!), I continue to grow and enjoy learning about new ways to be more efficient, relevant, and effective as a teacher. Your blog is practical and so helpful! All the best to you, Joy, as you continue to serve not only your students, but a multitude of teachers who learn from you as well through your excellent blog.” –Denise V.
“Your resources and blog helped me so much! I have used many of your products and they have never failed to inspire and be an incredible resource for me as a teacher. I love your composer lap books!! I hold two music history parties every semester. I use your lap books and have many comments from parents and students of how much they love them. I am hoping to be able to attend your piano teacher institute and one of your piano teacher retreats one of these days! I’ve loved reading about your sweet family this past year! I don’t usually comment on things but wanted you to know you have made a difference in my teaching and I am thankful for you!” –Brenda P.
“Hi! I’ve been following you religiously since 2012! I love so many things about you and your work but I think what I find most useful is how practical and REAL your offerings are. You clearly know what teaching and learning are actually like so it’s easy to grab a printable and follow your straightforward directions to use it promptly! Thank you!” –Robyn H.
“Dear Joy, Congratulations on 12 years of “Color In My Piano!” As I recall, we met several years before you began your blog. What I first noticed about you as a pianist and educator was your spirit of transparency and thoughtful adventure. It was evident while observing you perform Bach at Calvin University for a masterclass with Angela Hewitt. Your Music History ideas were bright and well planned as we taught at St. Cecilia Piano Camp in Grand Rapids. What a joy to see you gracefully embrace so many opportunities in your life, allow us to learn from your experiences and to share outstanding contributions to a worldwide music community. Your honest and open life continues to be a breath of fresh air and inspiration. Thank you so much, Joy! God bless you and your family!” –Susan C.