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The Number One Mistake that Piano Teachers Make

by Tim Topham

Introduction There are lots of questions that piano teachers ask me on a regular basis. Things like, “How do I improvise?” or “What apps do I need” or “How do I keep my teens motivated?”. However, there is one far more important question that all music educators should be asking and thinking about regularly and ... The Number One Mistake that Piano Teachers Make

02/16/2017 Read more

Repertoire Rap #1: Cool pop music arrangements that actually sound good!

by Tim Topham

Repertoire Rap #1. Watch and listen as I show you some cool pop music finds. For links to download the sheet music and more info head to topmusic.co/rap. All right, hi everyone, Tim Topham here, and I’m starting these little, what I’m calling, a repertoire rap, R-A-P. The whole goal of them is to give ... Repertoire Rap #1: Cool pop music arrangements that actually sound good!

02/09/2017 Read more

Classically Trained to Creatively Curious | Exploring Creative Piano Teaching

by Tim Topham

This month's theme is all about helping 'classically trained' teachers feel more comfortable exploring creative ideas in their teaching. Whether that's a few off-bench activities or dipping your toe into some improvisation, I know that this month's suggestions will have a big impact on both the way that you teach, and the outcomes for your students.

02/02/2017 Read more

Inner Circle Member Spotlight: Rosemarie Penner

by Tim Topham

Inner Circle “Member Spotlights” give you a sneak-peak at the progress of one of our community members. Get inspired by what they’ve achieved, be heartened by their struggles and share in their plans for the future. You can find out more about Rosemarie at her studio website. What does your studio look like? I am a travelling teacher with a ... Inner Circle Member Spotlight: Rosemarie Penner

01/27/2017 Read more

Fun First Piano Lesson: 12 Bar Blues [videos and lesson plans]

by Tim Topham

The first piano lesson of the year is a great time to do something different with your students. And I don’t mean just choosing a new piece of music. I mean scrapping the music altogether and getting off the page. It’s easier to do than you might think and kids love it. Want to know ... Fun First Piano Lesson: 12 Bar Blues [videos and lesson plans]

01/24/2017 Read more

Best Selling Piano Teaching Resources of 2016 [according to our readers]

by Tim Topham

At the start of each year, I like to have a look at my Amazon account statistics to see what piano teaching resources (products and books) you have been purchasing through my links, reviews and recommendations in the last year. If you want a quick list of only the best resources for your studio, then these are ... Best Selling Piano Teaching Resources of 2016 [according to our readers]

01/18/2017 Read more
 

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Unstructured Practice: Giving Students Time to Doodle

by Tim Topham

Welcome back to the first post of 2017! I hope you had a great break and are looking forward to the teaching year ahead. There have been lots of reports recently about a sudden awareness that our children have lost the opportunity to experience boredom. While most adults will fondly remember their childhoods spent roaming the streets on their ... Unstructured Practice: Giving Students Time to Doodle

01/16/2017 Read more

Inner Circle Member Spotlight: Karen Lien

by Tim Topham

Inner Circle “Member Spotlights” give you a sneak-peek at the progress of one of our community members. Get inspired by what they’ve achieved, be heartened by their struggles and get motivated and share in their plans for the future. You can find out more about Karen at her studio website. What does your studio look like? My studio is a happy place ... Inner Circle Member Spotlight: Karen Lien

12/05/2016 Read more

How to Build an Early Childhood Music Program from Scratch

by Paul Myatt

A plethora of research confirms why we, as music educators, should educate little ones. In 2015, a University of Queensland study found when a young child is engaged in music making with an adult (usually a parent), he or she benefits in the areas of attention regulation, acquisition of positive social skills as well as ... How to Build an Early Childhood Music Program from Scratch

11/16/2016 Read more

Inner Circle Member Spotlight: Sarah Kirby

by Tim Topham

Inner Circle “Member Spotlights” give you a sneak-peak at the progress of one of our community members. Get inspired by what they’ve achieved, be heartened by their struggles and get motivated and share in their plans for the future. The first member spotlight features Sarah Kirby, a teacher from Andover, Minnesota who has recently shifted her mindset from being “the girl ... Inner Circle Member Spotlight: Sarah Kirby

11/07/2016 Read more

Hiring Piano Teachers: How to Set Priorities for Your Studio

by Abraham Levitan

Today’s guest post is all about hiring piano teachers from Abraham Levitan of Piano Power, a big music school in Chicago that employs a team of teachers that teach in students’ houses.  Many teachers have dreams of building their own music academies and hiring other teachers to deliver their teaching method, but find they get stuck by the ... Hiring Piano Teachers: How to Set Priorities for Your Studio

10/26/2016 Read more

How To Teach a Group Piano Class

by Marie Lee

Today’s post is by TopMusicPro and all-round superstar teacher, Marie Lee, who I had the pleasure of finally meeting at this year’s MTNA and who is kicking some serious goals in her piano teaching studio. Marie has totally revolutionised her studio from private teaching to only group teaching and has seen a massive payoff in engagement, ... How To Teach a Group Piano Class

10/10/2016 Read more