There was a time when you would consider the “other” piano teachers as competition. I’ve known piano teachers who were of the “cut-throat” kind and would verbally harm other teachers in their area. Not a good thing…But thanks to the internet and the world of blogs, I have found piano teachers who are in the business of sharing ideas. I have not met any of them personally, but in my mind we are “friends.”
This summer I have learned so much from reading their blogs. Everything in the picture above is an idea I will be implementing thanks to their willingness to share.
The large map on the wall is from the piano incentive program that Jennifer Fink has devised for her studio. A week or two before I read about it my mom, sister and I brainstormed and planned a “World of Music” incentive for the students. But when I saw Jennifer’s plan – which is very complete and ready to go- I changed my mind!
Mr. Potato Head? Yes. Another idea I got from www.pianimation.com (Jennifer Fink’s blog). I tried it with a few students during the summer and it was an instant hit! Then last week walking through Costco I found a huge Mr. Potato Head shaped bucket full of more potato heads and accessories that will be perfect for group lessons. FUN!
What about the little spikey relaxation balls? I learned about this fun prop from Anne Crosby Gaudet a piano teacher/composer in Nova Scotia. Penelope the hand position pig is sooo much cuter, but spikey light up balls are the only ones I could find around here…
Wendy Stevens has just published a fabulous rhythm supplement that I will be using with my private students. Rhythm Menagerie is much more than just a set of clapping exercises – check out the video too!
Really and truly those “other” piano teachers are a blessing especially to those of us who cannot attend piano meetings for one reason or another. I look forward to seeing how this community of pianists will grow!
Thank you teachers!
Hi Dorla,
Thanks for the referral about Rhythm Menagerie! Keep me posted on how your students use it. I always enjoy reading your blog…thank you for also sharing your ideas!
Wendy