Creative Piano Professional
Here at Creative.Piano.Professional anything style, pedagogy, pianos, piano teaching, piano studios, business, music, and music technology is up for discussion.
It’s the place to come to for information, have a discussion and to ask questions. Ever felt like you wanted more information on a particular technique but didn’t want to ask? This the place for you. Ever needed new ideas for repertoire? I’m are your kinda person!
Just want some fresh, honest and down to earth discussion about what is really happening in music studios? Creative.Piano.Professional is for you.
7 Ways to Practice Your Concert Pieces!
One of the most important things to remember is that early preparation can’t be replaced by last minute practice. Start preparing your piece in advance and try these ideas in the lead up to your performance day!
Aural Training and Development Series: Print Resources
Recently I have been considering the ways I develop aural skills with my students and other alternatives that may be available. Singing and aural development has always been a part of my teaching but I feel the need to do some further research and find some...
Performance Parties: 7 Top Tips For Hosting A Great Party!
This weekend we are hosting a performance party at my home studio. It is the first performance opportunity this year for our students. I started these parties about 18 months ago and we now do three a year. At first it took a little while to get students into...
When the Fires Burn Low: How to Reignite Your Passion For Teaching.
Ever had a hard week that turns into a hard month and you can't quite remember why you loved teaching? I don't always feel 100% enthusiastic about teaching......there, I've said it. Some days my mojo is nowhere to be found. The thing is that I don't think I'm alone in...
Practice. It’s a minefield.
So. A parent calls you about one of your students. They are struggling to get said-student to practice. Should they continue? Should they stop lessons all together? What is the magic solution? Here are a few of my tips for answering this often asked question: Is...
Stress Free Concert Organising!
This past month we have been preparing for our Annual Concert. There is a great deal of preparation and thought that goes into organising each of these concerts. Each year at Novar Music, we host two large concerts in addition to the other performance opportunities...
Observing Others Teach
Today I have been observing lessons taught by one of the teachers I work with. She is a kind teacher; young, qualified and enthusiastic. One of the lessons she taught was to a complete beginner. He was a nine year old who was very excited to commence lessons....
The Learning Environment: The Piano Studio.
What's in a studio? Have you set up your own piano studio? If you are looking to set up a studio, what might you need? I teach in several locations. Some I have more control over the environment than others. In my home studio I like to make the music room warm and...
Creating a Simple Business Plan
Do you have a business plan for your studio? Even something simple that articulates the core values and vision of your business and how you plan to make it happen is very helpful in giving you direction. It can be simple or you can create a detailed picture but...
Those With Whom I Work
I have had many moments in recent months to pause and reflect with gratitude on the team of people I work with in my studio. Reflecting on their professionalism, the way they step up whenever the need arises, the fabulous educators they are and the way they become...
Christmas At My House
How do you use your piano skills at Christmas time? Several years ago I thought about starting an annual carols night at our home to invite friends and family to sit around the piano and share a night of carols together. This started fairly small and was open to...
Developing a Studio Policy
When a new student looks to you for lessons, it is very helpful to have some basic information to be able to give them to read. Having a clear and consistent policy to communicate is also much more professional. Over time I have developed, in conjunction with my...
The Business of Teaching
Recently, a musician friend was commenting on a great new student they had, saying "It's so much fun, it doesn't feel like work! I would do it for free". She was implying that she shouldn't be paid for these lessons she was giving! But she is in the business of...
Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference July 2015
In just two weeks I am heading to the wonderful Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference in Melbourne. This is the third time I have attended this conference and I am really looking forward to learning, meeting new people and seeing friends. This year for the first time...
Building a Multi-Teacher Studio
Recently Tim Topham and I had a chat about a whole variety of things, mostly we were supposed to be talking about business! But with Tim it would have been very easy for us to chat for a few hours about lots of different things. Building a multi-teacher studio is an...
Frustrated Perfectionists, The Pareto Principle and Your Students!
This week Mark, an adult beginner student, came to his lesson and had become increasingly frustrated with one of his pieces. The major learning explorations introduced in the piece were 3/4 time signature and waltz style. He had accomplished this...
1 Music Box, 2 Cities and 9 Days: The Music Box Adventure
A few weeks ago I was have a wonderful time in Melbourne. Then I came home 3 days before the new school year started and that was...... a little bit hectic. Now that I have found my feet in the new school year I've had a little bit of time to reflect on my...
AMEB Examinations; Musings of a Student, Parent and Teacher
Today I have been hosting an Australian Music Examination Board examination session in my home studio. Twenty two students are sitting exams here and it is something we do every year at this time. I grew up participating in AMEB examinations on a regular basis....