This year, I’ve come across two different books for beginners that are innovative and target different kinds of beginner piano students. Both are relatively new, and I’ve been implementing them into my lessons with success! 1. Cougar’s Great Adventure This book is by Marianne Marusic, piano teacher, RCM Examiner, and founder of the Metropolitan SchoolContinue reading “Books for beginners you probably haven’t heard about”
Category Archives: Tips for Success
How to succeed at a music festival
Students studying music have the opportunity to participate in many extra activities outside of their regular private lesson. I will be focusing on WHY piano students should participate, and HOW to succeed specifically at music festivals. Since 2010, I have been actively volunteering for music festivals (first in British Columbia, now in Ontario). As aContinue reading “How to succeed at a music festival”
Why I spend LESS time on the piano at the lesson
Over the past few years of teaching piano, I’ve noticed more and more the ADVANTAGES of spending LESS time at the piano during the piano lesson. Sounds counterintuitive, right? Here’s why students benefit from spending LESS time at the piano during the lesson: Most students start piano lessons because they want to ENJOY learning howContinue reading “Why I spend LESS time on the piano at the lesson”
Jazz Piano and dance lessons for me!
About 4 years ago, I told a young student that I was still taking piano lessons, and he was shocked to find out that his piano teacher “didn’t know everything about music”. The fact is teachers must always strive to learn and grow, no matter how many years one as been teaching. That’s why I’veContinue reading “Jazz Piano and dance lessons for me!”
How to Read Music like a Pro – Part 3 (last)
In Part 1 of How to Read Music like a Pro, I talked about what sight reading is, why it’s important, and why it’s a common challenge for many musicians. In Part 2 of How to Read Music like a Pro, I mentioned the most common sight reading books used by teachers, and how toContinue reading “How to Read Music like a Pro – Part 3 (last)”
How to Read Music like a Pro – Part 2
In my previous post, I talked about what sight reading is, why it’s important, and why it’s such a challenge for many musicians. In Part 2 of How to Read Music like a Pro, I will mention the most common sight reading books used by teachers, and how to choose the material that is rightContinue reading “How to Read Music like a Pro – Part 2”
How to read music like a pro – Part 1
Last year, I had an adult (a voice teacher in fact) come to me for lessons on how to sight read better. She was an amazing singer, and could easily accompany herself and her students on the piano by playing chords, but found it difficult to sight read, even pieces at the grade 2 level.Continue reading “How to read music like a pro – Part 1”
Masterclass with Dina Yoffe
I had the opportunity to attend a masterclass by Dina Yoffe last week. A masterclass is like a special piano lesson with a well-known performer, in front of an audience. The students who were chosen for the masterclass had to undergo an audition, so the teacher mainly works to polish and refine their playing. DinaContinue reading “Masterclass with Dina Yoffe”
Hannah's Piano Studio 