How to Raise a Smart Kid Since 2004, I have taught hundreds of children, teenagers, adults, and seniors from 3 to 80+ years old. One of the most fascinating aspects of my job is meeting different kinds of students, all with unique personalities and backgrounds. I am especially interested in the range of ability inContinue reading “How To Raise a Smart Kid – Part 1”
Author Archives: hannahannika
Composer(s) of the month – the Bastiens
Composer(s) for August…the Bastiens! Background One of the first books I was taught from was James Bastien’s series “Bastien Piano Basics”. As a result, when I first started teaching piano, these were my “go-to” books. I used Bastien’s Primer A and B books for young beginners, and continued with book 1, 2, 3. Meanwhile, IContinue reading “Composer(s) of the month – the Bastiens”
Composer of the month – Melody Bober
The composer for July is…Melody Bober! Background Melody Bober is a pianist, teacher, composer, and clinician. She has a degree in music education from the University of Illinois and a masters degree from Minnesota State University. She has taught music in the public school and university level. I attended Melody Bober’s exhibitor showcase theContinue reading “Composer of the month – Melody Bober”
Going Baroque – Inspiring students to explore
Several weeks ago, Susan Dennis and I wrote a guest blog for Leila Viss (88 Piano Keys) about our experience in planning a Baroque-themed program for our students. It was a fun way to inspire our students to explore the Baroque era. Below is our blog post (link to the original post here) For mostContinue reading “Going Baroque – Inspiring students to explore”
Composer of the month -Irina Gorin
Composer of the month of June…Irina Gorin! Background Irina Gorin was born in Kiev, Ukraine, and holds Masters Degrees in Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy, Chamber Ensemble, and Accompaniment. She comes from the “Russian School of Piano Playing” known for its impeccable technique, musicality, and the strict discipline required to follow this method. After moving toContinue reading “Composer of the month -Irina Gorin”
4 Reasons To NOT Take Piano Lessons
Early on in my piano teaching career, I had the brilliant idea that ALL students could learn the piano, regardless of motivation, ability or background. I just needed to find the right music, or the most exciting games and activities, and they would be hooked. After teaching hundreds of students, I have realized my ownContinue reading “4 Reasons To NOT Take Piano Lessons”
Composer of the month – Andrew Harbridge
Composer of the month May…Andrew Harbridge Background Andrew Harbridge is a composer, clinician, examiner, and the music director at Park Street Baptist Church. Andrew lives in Peterborough, Ontario. I first came across his music several years ago when I began exploring the Conservatory Canada syllabus. Many students (especially boys!) LOVE playing his music, which rangesContinue reading “Composer of the month – Andrew Harbridge”
On the Road to Excellence – Our Journey to the Baltimore MTNA Conference
A couple weeks ago in March, I was fortunate to attend a music teachers’ conference in Baltimore, MD. I drove down with another colleague, Liz Craig, and we had a fantastic 4 days of learning and networking, plus an extra day exploring Washington, DC. Below is our post about our experience: http://www.lizcraig.ca/single-post/2017/04/05/On-the-Road-to-Excellence-–-Our-Journey-to-the-Baltimore-MTNA-Conference
Hannah's Piano Studio 