Yungling Piano Studio’s May Piano Recital was once again held at Clover’s Fine Art Gallery and Cafe. We had a delightful time playing songs for our family and friends. From 4 to 34, students of all ages displayed their skills and provided an amazing afternoon of fun and music. Clover created an inviting environment with [...]
I’m always looking for ways to engage my students in music centered activities. And with today’s electronic gadgets competing for their interest, I’ve got to stay on my toes! In 2010 I will be teaching my students about simple rhythmic and melodic motifs and how repetition and variation create interest. Of course, I won’t be [...]
Piano Olympics is a fun way to get students motivated. Here is a new idea for the upcoming Feb. 2010 Olympics. (Also, check out my first post on Olympics in the Piano Studio This winter I will create a winter mountain that rises and drops steeply. Then I’ll set colored flag markers for each of [...]
Two summers ago I created an Olympic poster complete with colored rings and a large grid with each student’s name. I made 48 tasks (A real Olympic feat!) and a colored star system representing how many attempts were needed to accomplish each task. Gold was for first try, of course, and then I had 5 [...]
Many of my students love to draw and color. A new practice I’ll be starting in January 2010 is to have my youngsters draw, color, paint, collage, etc one picture for every day that they practice during the week. All they have to do is create a picture that represents how that practice session was [...]
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Another book I’m reading that has helped reinforce some instincts I’ve had as a teacher….and has opened my eyes to ways I can still play as an adult. So far I can say that the heightened awareness of play has helped me pay attention to my students “playfulness” more. I notice that some students prefer [...]
I did not create this practice method, but would like to give credit to Helen Marlais. It was in her publication that I first saw it in print. This is a GEM for students of all ages. The rule is simple: Once you’ve chosen a section of music (a measure or more), you practice slow [...]
I use my iMac and Garageband to record my students’ songs. Then I have them listen to the playback and tell me what they heard, what was great?, what could be improved? They LOVE it! And they improve their listening skills and take greater responsibility for applying the fundamentals of dynamics, counting and phrasing….without me [...]
I love being a piano teacher, and I love to play! When I first started my piano studio www.yunglingpianostudio.com, I knew that fun was going to have to be an integral part of the experience or young people today just wouldn’t have anything to do with it. And judging from the horror stories told by [...]
Continue reading about Being a Piano Teacher is a Playful Profession