Tag Archives: practice

Tips for Pupils

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Jan

Tips for Piano Pupils 1) You need short, regular (i.e. habit-forming) practice sessions – with no room for excuses (e.g. ‘I’m too tired’ etc.). 2) Use ‘FaceBook’ to identify keys on the piano (i.e. ‘F’ and ‘B’ are ‘bookends’ with … Continue reading →

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Tips for Teachers

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Jan

Tips for Piano Teachers 1) Find yourself a ‘guinea pig’ to practise on before you start teaching paying customers. 2) Spend time choosing piano course books. (To help with this, visit piano course books at Musicroom.com or Amazon UK/Amazon US). … Continue reading →

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Pieces

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Jan

Piano Examinations: Pieces (See also Lesson Format: Current Piece and New and Old Pieces) Once the scales are in progress, it’s time to start my pupil working on his first exam piece. The examination board I use – the ABRSM … Continue reading →

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2) Scales

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Jan

Piano Lesson Format 2: Scales After the ‘chat’ and the discussion about the week’s practice, the next part of the lesson is taken up with scales (for the learners who have reached that stage). I generally introduce the first scale … Continue reading →

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1) Practice Review

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Jan

Piano Lesson Format 1: Practice Review After the first few lessons are out of the way, I try to have a similar format for each one. In my view the best piano lessons are the ones where I achieve all … Continue reading →

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Learning Difficulties

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Jan

Piano Lessons and Learning Difficulties This article is not purely about ‘learning difficulties’ in the way the label is commonly applied (i.e. to people categorised as having an actual disability or disorder): I am extending its application to more general … Continue reading →

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Teaching in Schools

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Jan

Teaching Piano in Schools Some musical instrument teachers are employed by the local education department and work as peripatetic teachers. I decided not to do this, but instead, restricted myself to teaching in our local primary school. If you decide … Continue reading →

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Teaching Your Own Child

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Jan

Teaching Piano to Your Own Child The first question you may ask yourself is: “Should I do this or not?” It’s not an easy one to answer. In my case, I didn’t even bother asking the question at all. When … Continue reading →

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Getting to Know Your Pupil

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Jan

Getting to Know Your Piano Pupil One of the best things about a piano lesson – aside from the fact that it entails passing on a useful and extremely enjoyable skill – is that it is an – often rare … Continue reading →

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First Piano Lesson

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Jan

First Piano Lesson My motto for making the first lesson a success reminds me of my Girl Guide days: “Be Prepared”. Having made a few notes about my new pupil during the initial phone conversation, I tuck these away in … Continue reading →

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