(Plus 4 Foolproof Practice Tips So You Sound Like a Pro!) Y’all, it is a great day because I am knee-deep in piano Christmas music! Nothing makes me happier than playing through Christmas music for the first time each season – except maybe hearing my students play it all month long. Christmas music brings people together like singing a nostalgic Christmas tune with the piano in the background and so I made something for you this year. I took the three easiest, happiest, most sing-along-able Christmas songs and turned them into super simple, melody-only sheet music that even my 6-year-old students are already playing after one lesson! No chords. No…
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Hello again, amazing piano teachers! I’m back today to share a secret weapon I discovered that has transformed my teaching – and my sanity! Adding group piano lessons to your regular schedule isn’t just a fun twist; it’s a game-changer for both you and your students. With the holiday season around the corner, now is the perfect time to mix things up or plan to implement some changes in the new year. Let me share why I’m so passionate about this approach and how it can light up your studio. I hope these 6 reasons will get you excited to add group lessons to your studio calendar! In this post……
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Get ready to transform your studio with a burst of inspiration! As a busy mom and passionate piano educator, I’m excited to jump into the top piano teaching resources for 2026 that will spark joy and efficiency in every lesson. This year is all about making lessons fun, efficient, and tailored to every student – especially our neurodivergent learners and busy families. As we plan for 2026, remember these must-haves will save you time and bring joy to your teaching. Let’s dive in, and don’t forget to check out my previous posts for in-depth method book reviews to round out your toolkit! 6 Must-Have Apps for Piano Teaching Essential Tools…
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Y’all, listen, as a busy mom and piano teacher, I know practicing piano can feel tricky when your mind loves to zoom in a million directions. But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with fun, ADHD-friendly ways to practice that work for you, plus tips for your parents to help along the way! Whether you’re just starting or leveling up, these ideas will turn practice into a joyful adventure. Let’s dive in! In this blog post… Why Piano Practice with ADHD Can Be Awesome ADHD brains are full of energy and creativity, which makes piano practice exciting if we tweak it to fit you! Short sessions, movement, and rewards can…
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Hello, amazing piano learners! As a busy mom and piano teacher, I’ve seen how even the smallest practice habits can lead to big musical wins and transform piano practice for beginners! You might think becoming a great pianist takes hours of daily practice, but I’m here to share how just 10 minutes a day can transform your skills – perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone with a busy schedule. Inspired by my post for teachers on effective practice tips, I’ve gathered even more tips from fellow teachers online to make this journey fun and doable. Plus, don’t miss your chance to join the Piano Quest Academy and download your free…
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I’m back today with more love for our neurodivergent learners with ADHD and ASD! Recently, I shared my best practices for teaching these wonderful students, and today I’m thrilled to follow up with my top piano method series recommendation based on my 10 years (and counting!) of teaching. As a busy mom and piano teacher, I’ve tested this method with my own students, and it’s been a game-changer. Let’s dive into why. In this blog post… A Quick Look Back: Review Our Best Practices In my last post, we explored six key strategies to support neurodivergent piano students: Those tips have been a lifeline for me, and they set the…
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As a busy mom who’s taught piano for years, I’ve learned that every student bring a unique sparkly to the keys – especially our neurodivergent learners. Teaching students with ADHD or ASD can feel like a beautiful challenge, but with the right approach, it’s incredibly rewarding! Whether you’re new to this or looking to refine your skills, I’m sharing my top best practices to help you connect, engage, and inspire piano students with ADHD or ASD. Plus, stay tuned for my next post where I’ll reveal the best method book I’ve found for those learners! In this blog post… 1. Create a Predictable Routine Students with ADHD and ASD thrive…
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Do you have a piano recital scheduled for October but you don’t want spooky music? Perhaps, like me, you have students that don’t even celebrate Halloween! Each year my studio holds a virtual piano recital the last week of October. It is a wonderful time to do a recital because they can showcase all of the wonderful things they’ve been working on before we get out our Christmas music for our December recital. But a few years ago I started teaching piano students who do not celebrate Halloween. I didn’t want them to be left out of the recital fun but I also did not want them to be the…
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If you’re anything like me – a busy mom juggling lesson planning, family life, and a passion for teaching music – you know how precious time is. That’s why I’m so excited to share the magic of virtual workshops, especially through my Piano Teachers’ Studio Summit series! As the heart behind The Joyful Music Teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how these online sessions can transform your teaching game, all from the comfort of home. Whether you’re new to the piano world or a seasoned pro, here are 5 joyful reasons to join a virtual workshop – and trust me, your studio (and sanity!) will thank you. 1. Boost Your Skills with…
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One of the trickiest parts of starting to teach piano is figuring out which method books to use. There seem to be so many options out there. How can we possibly decide? In my 10 years of teaching piano, I have used a few different method books and I’d love to share my experience with each of these books. Today, we’ll be going down a list of 5 method series (3 are my favorites, plus two bonus opinions at the end). (This article contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.) 1. Wunderkeys Piano Books First on my list is my current favorite…
