Getting ready for Fall Studio Kickoff

Last year I started what I call Fall Studio Kickoff. Basically the first lesson back from summer is a group lesson kicking off the new school year. I noticed the first lesson back students aren’t quite into the “groove” of being back with school just getting started so I wanted to do something that would give them a week to refresh and get excited about the new school year with piano lessons.

During fall studio kickoff week, students come on their normally scheduled lesson day but at the same time (ie: 4-5:30pm). The purpose of the Fall kickoff is 3-fold. 1. To introduce the new theme for the year.  2. For students to share their summer practice prop projects  3. To kickoff the year together with their piano peers and have some fun!

Click here to see our 1st Fall studio kickoff from last year.

I started this last year with the intention of creating excitement for what was to come for the new year. And it was a success! I recently emailed our 2012 Fall Studio Kickoff Flyer to my piano parents. This gives them the schedule information and highlights the new theme for the year. Here is a copy of this years flyer: 2012 Fall Studio Kickoff

What are you doing to kickoff the new school year in your studio?

“That was EASY”

I have an EASY button that sits on my piano for students to push.  I typically have them push it after they get through a difficult passage they didn’t think they could do, or maybe they sight-read a new piece perfectly.  I have to say hearing the words “That was EASY” never gets old.  I chuckle every time.  It’s funny how one simple thing like an EASY button can boost self confidence.

I came across this blog article, Make it EASY, then Practice HARD over at Music Teachers Helper written by Leila Viss. I thought it was such a great idea for a theme and had no idea there was even an EASY stamp!  I just had to share!  Enjoy!

Piano Team

For years I thought it would be fun to have an Ensemble group that comes once a week in addition to their piano lessons.  Finally four years ago I decided it was time to give it a try. 

Piano Team is a group of students learning, playing and performing together using team work skills.  Students learn to play in ensembles as well as enjoy playing with a midi accompaniment.  Students share in both fun and responsibility in a piano “club” environment. Students focus on rhythm skills, improvisation and ensembles.  And when we have some time, theory games are a bonus! 

Piano Team meets once a week for 45 min. in addition to their regular piano lessons.  Throughout the year, Piano Team prepares for performances and adjudication evaluations.

One thing that I like to do for student’s that are thinking about joining Piano Team is to hold a Piano Team Preview class in the summer.  We use the Hal Leonard Ensemble books and the midi accompaniment that goes along with them. 

Each week when it’s time for the piano team students to leave, I always hear “already?”  We have lots of fun in Piano Team!

Tell me, do you have a piano team or club of some kind in your studio?

Magic of Music begins this week!

The time has come!  Magic of Music begins in my studio this week.

The signs are hung, the treasure box is filled with fun magic tricks, workbooks are made and stickers are printed (thanks Sue!).

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Now let’s go make some MAGIC with our music this year!

Magic of Music Decor and Goodies

This year my students are doing my Practice Incentive Magic of Music.  We are kicking it off the week of September 13th.  I’m so excited to begin.  I recently ordered some fun magic goodies at Oriental trading to decorate the studio and goodies for students to add to the excitement.  For my studio I ordered a personalized sign that I will hang on my studio wall and a door cover that I will hang on my door.  Both are personalized with the words MAGIC OF MUSIC of course! 

In my treasure box will be magic tricks and more and I found these fun magic “tattoos” to throw in the chest as well!  Later students will officially earn their magic wands and other awards at the spring recital in May!

Oriental trading also has plastic top hats and magic top hat treat bags that would be fun to do something with.  Perhaps fill it with some goodies at Christmas time? 

If you are doing the MAGIC OF MUSIC program this year, I would love to hear how your students are doing and responding to it! 

Have fun making MAGIC in your studio this year!

Piano Olympics

Since 2002, every four years I hold Piano Olympics in the studio.  We begin in October and go until mid-April.  I hold quarterly group lessons and when I can I coordinate my group lessons with what we are doing with our yearly theme.  I have posted pictures and on my studio blog of the group lessons.  For our “Opening Ceremony” pictures and activities click here.  When it is time for our spring recital, students perform pieces representing different countries.  At the end of their performances they are presented with a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal.

While many studio’s do Piano Olympics in their studio (it is so much fun afterall!), I thought I would share my Piano Olympic rules and event sheet.  You can download this for free Piano Olympic Event Rules.

During each of our group lessons, students work a little bit in their Piano Olympics workbook.  I’ve had several teachers inquire if they could purchase the book, so I have made that available.  In the meantime, here are some sample pages you can view for free.  Piano Olympics Workbook Sample Pages

$15.00 (Reproducible- Unlimited copies for your students!)

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*You will receive your download link within 24 hours of purchase.  Please be sure I have your correct email address.  Thank you!

Magic of Music!

Abracadabra! AlaKazoo!

Looking for a little MAGIC in your studio this year?

Welcome to Magic of Music, a year long incentive program for students.  Students will learn all the secrets to making magic with their music.  Students will begin their magical journey as an Apprentice stretching themselves, learning as much as they can, exploring all the possibilities!Students will be earning points based on their accomplishments which will allow them to move up levels in the world of Music Magic.

You will receive a welcome letter explaining all the exciting things in store, tips, advancement certificates for students as they move up levels, assignment and student workbook pages to help them along their magical journey.

$20.00

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*You will receive your download links within 24 hours of purchase.  Please be sure I have your correct email address.  Thank you!

You’re A Star!

A lot of times, when I do an incentive program, I like to incorporate my yearly theme to the program.  This is what I did for my Star Program, a basic goal oriented program for kids to accomplish musical goals throughout the year.  My yearly theme was “You’re A Star” and for our spring recital the pieces were all from movies and T.V. Shows.  The recital was held at the local movie theater.  The local piano store at the time was willing to loan me a Clavinova at no cost as long as I could pick it up and return it.  It was a very fun!

You can download You’re A Star Program for free.   Feel free to edit the dates how you see fit.

Piano Karate

I thought I would first share one of my yearly incentive programs I created awhile back.  Piano Karate is always a hit in the studio.

Similar to the karate program, students pass off stripe tests.  Once they pass off  their 3 stripe tests in a particular category they advance to the next category working towards their black belt.

I use ribbons to represent their stripe colors.  The ribbon hangs down off of their Piano Karate badge that I make, which is pinned to their music bag.  Pics not great, but here’s what a badge would look like…   

Piano Karate badge

You can download the Piano Karate student sheet for free here:  Piano Karate Program