Every June, our Texas Music Teachers Association hosts a conference for teachers, students, and parents. It is one of my favorite weeks of the year!
I thought I would use this tenth episode to bring you along with me to the conference and share a few parent takeaways.
Listen to the full episode here
Free Ear Training Resource
Cameron Dennis (from PPP 208 and PPP 275) shared his free online ear training site.
You can check it out at www.LionTheory.com.
National Endowment for the Arts
Dr. Jane Chu presented our opening key note address. She was the chair of the NEA from 2014-2018. Her key note was a great reflection on the accessibility of the arts these days compared to the pre-internet days.
How are you being intentional about offering your piano kid musical experiences?
Music Offers an Identity
Dr. Jane Chu’s parents immigrated to America from China. Jane was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She had multiple cultural influences and joked that she grew up on a diet of Bok Choy and Corn Dogs.
With so many influences, she could have easily gotten lost in an identity crisis. Instead, music and her musical friends gave her her identity.
I love this quote from Dr. Chu regarding identity.
Music tells the human journey through life
Marvin Blickenstaff (from PPP 205) shared how teachers can help children to be expressive through music.
He said, “Correct notes, rhythms, and even some dynamics are not the music. Find the emotion!”
More Wisdom from Marvin
The relationship between teacher and student is very unique. The teacher is another adult in the child’s life who can offer one-on-one attention.
In every lesson, Marvin works to affirm the student with specific and intentional positive comments.
Marvin celebrated his 88th birthday last May and continues to practice every day. He plans to offer a solo recital to celebrate his 90th birthday in 2025.
Marvin also shared that he has a book being released in the fall called “Inspired Piano Teaching.” I cannot wait!!
A few tips for improv
Paul Myatt presented at our TMTA conference, coming all the way from Australia.
Paul’s session was all about improvisation at the piano.
Call and response – clapping, tapping, or singing what you hear your teacher or parent demonstrate.
Convert spoken word to rhythm “What’s your favorite Italian food?” “Spaghetti” or “Hot Lasagna”
Four Pillars of Learning
During Paul Myatt’s session, he mentioned the four pillars of learning. This is something I’d like to learn more about and dedicate an entire episode to.
I’ll just mention the basics here now.
The four pillars of learning involve:
Attention
Movement
Brain Focus/Predictability
Repetition
Team Piano
One of my favorite activities for students at the TMTA Conference is the ensemble concert. There are fifteen grand pianos on the stage in the main ballroom and up to two or three students playing at each piano.
What a great opportunity for solo instrumentalists to collaborate and experience a team event.
If your piano kid doesn’t have access to an ensemble group, playing duets or playing with another instrumentalist will offer valuable learning oppotunities.
Here is a video of our intermediate ensemble performing “Yesterday”. Listen to all that thunder!!
Clapping Games
Jason Mincy, a classroom teacher and choir director in Texas, shared more about the importance of feeling the steady beat of the music.
Jason uses clapping games and other activities to help students learn to feel the beat.
Here is a short clip of one of the games Jason taught us.
Maybe you and your piano kid to play some clapping games together!
Professional Development
Encourage your piano teacher to attend a conference – either in person or online. At our TMTA conference this year,
- I was energized as a teacher.
- I gained new teaching strategies.
- I was introduced to new music.
- I met new friends that I plan to bring onto the podcast to share with you.
When your teacher pursues additional learning, your piano kid reaps the benefits.
Social Shareables
Click an image to share directly to your Pinterest account. Download an image to share in your social circles. If the image is not branded, please link back to this page and help us spread the word about all the great resources at Piano Parent Podcast. Thank you!
Thanks for listening!
To share your thoughts:
- Leave a note in the comment section below
- Ask a question at pianoparentpodcast@gmail.com
- Share this show on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest
To help out the show:
- Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast player.
- Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews help other piano parents and teachers find the show.
- Help support the show by making a donation via PayPal.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More
