Clik here to view.
Composing: Easy Holiday Activity
I didn’t warn my students they’d be composing. I was pretty sure they’d feel intimidated, so I simply asked them for favorite holiday phrases. When they asked why, I said, “You’ll see.” And once they...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Make it More than a Recital!
A recital can set a fire in the hearts of students and audience. There aren’t many opportunities to showcase students of every level. So… make it more than a recital. My sister makes magical music...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Unique Senior Send-offs
By Robin Steinweg Have you held traditional senior recitals? Often they are formal events. But what if your seniors don’t roll that way? Here are three unique senior send-offs, customized for...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Art of Silence
The art of silence often has sad beginnings. I point to a spot in the music and say, “What about that?” My student, blank-faced, says, “That lightning-shaped thing (or “squiggly-shaped” or “the seven...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Utterly Unique
Other teachers said these things to me recently: “I’m just a small-town music teacher.” “It’s all been taught before.” “I don’t say anything new. It’s all been said before.” But not by you. You and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Music Jeopardy Wins!
Are you looking for learning games for your group class? Music Jeopardy could make a big win and motivate your students. I crafted my own. Here’s how. What you’ll need: Tri-fold project board Velcro...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Early Impromptu Improv
Early Impromptu Improv. That’s what you can do spur-of-the-moment when something like this happens: your pre-note-reading siblings arrive with worried smiles and one says, “I forgot my instrument.”...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Making a Medley of Melodies
“But Miss Robin, I love all my songs. I can’t pick!” Yep, I have students who simply cannot choose only one favorite for their recital. When this happens, I might show them ways to make a medley. I...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Composing: Easy Holiday Activity
I didn’t warn my students they’d be composing. I was pretty sure they’d feel intimidated, so I simply asked them for favorite holiday phrases. When they asked why, I said, “You’ll see.” And once they...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Make It More Than a Recital!
A recital can set a fire in the hearts of students and audience. There aren’t many opportunities to showcase students of every level. So… make it more than a recital. My sister makes magical music...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Family Folk Song Celebration
Folk songs used to top the lists of school music classes. Now it’s rare to find a student who has even heard many of our country’s folk songs. Why not celebrate them in a recital? This is my second...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Mickey Mouse Club Musical Review
Imagine a musical review inspired by the original Mouseketeers and wrapped in the imagination of Walt Disney. It will both entertain and educate. This is the third in a series of magical music recital...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Really Rad Rock ‘n Roll Recital
A rock ’n roll recital provides motivation with a capital R-O-C-K! Your students, families, and friends will never forget the time they rocked their recital. This is the fourth in a series of magical...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dynamic Duets and Excellent Ensembles
Isn’t it more work to put together duets and ensembles? Maybe. But sooooo worth it! Check it out… Group playing is a team sport. Participants must work together—listen to one another. They must be...
View ArticleClik here to view.
11 Ways to Involve Parents in Music Lessons
How well do you know your students’ parents? Most of my students are dropped off on the fly, so I seldom see their adults. If someone else drives them to lessons, sometimes I don’t even meet them...
View ArticleStarting a Private Music Teaching Studio
Are you starting up a private music teaching studio? You probably have questions. Beginning teachers often ask the same questions. Usually the first is “How did you get started teaching?” Let me answer...
View ArticleHow New Teachers Choose a Piano Method
Now to choose a method–my first private piano student just signed up. Wait. There are HOW MANY piano methods out there??? How in the world will you decide which to use? Last month I wrote about...
View ArticleIdeas about Teaching Private Guitar
Guitar methods are out there. But how can I tell whether they’ll fit my teaching style and my students’ needs? Will I end up reinventing the wheel anyway? What will work best for me and my students? In...
View ArticleHelping Teachers with Group Guitar Part 1
Want to multiply your time and your earnings? If so, you might enjoy teaching a group of several students—or a crowd of them—all at once. Instead of teaching one student at a time for eight hours a...
View ArticleHelping Teachers with Group Guitar Part 2
Guitar classes for groups–do you have questions about how to conduct them? I have a first article about guitar classes at MTH dealing with details like age ranges, finding a location, group dynamics,...
View Article
