It took me a long time to recognize the value of using quotes with my students when teaching the piano. I’m not good at remembering quotes and used to feel that people who used a lot of quotes were really just trying to be pretentious. However, after having lessons with teachers who valued and usedContinue reading “Useful Piano Teaching Quotes”
Category Archives: Piano Pedagogy
MTNA National Conference 2025
This was my third time going to the National MTNA (Music Teacher National Association) Conference for music teachers. However, it was my first time attending with my NCTM (National Certification for Teaching Music in Piano). Since, I had received my NCTM this year, my name was on the board in the hallway at the conference.Continue reading “MTNA National Conference 2025”
Teaching Scales
I teach all my adult students scales quite early in their lessons (or make sure they know their scales well already) because I believe listening and understanding the structure of scales are one of the most foundational building blocks of understanding western music. I typically teach chord and arpeggio construction based on scales and useContinue reading “Teaching Scales”
My National Certificate of Teaching Music
I belong to the Music Teacher National Association which is an American professional association of music teachers whose mission is to advance the value of music study and music making in society and to support the professionalism of music teachers. MTNA has a membership that includes 73% independent teachers, 14% college or university instructors, 5%Continue reading “My National Certificate of Teaching Music”
Why I Love Hanon
Talk to any pianist and they will have heard of Hanon and probably also have strong opinions either for or against the use of these 5 finger technical exercises. I’m a big fan of Hanon exercises. I use them myself and with my students, but I do use them in particular ways. Who was CharlesContinue reading “Why I Love Hanon”
Piano Lessons for Adults 