PPP104: Tracy Selle
Piano teacher, Tracy Selle, has been an independent piano teacher in North Texas for 16 years.
Listen to the full episode here
Tell Us Your Personal Piano Story
- Started playing in 3rd grade.
- Became the pianist of my church when I was 13th. Continued that job through high school.
- Graduated from VA Tech. I did study some music, but ended up focusing on science and became a TV Meteorologist. But still worked at a church pianist on the side.
- Once my son was born, I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. That’s when I transitioned to teaching piano.
Were You A Good Student?
Define “good.” Haha!
- I was REALLY busy with dancing and other activities. I could have practiced more. (Although my mom made sure I DID practice each week.)
- In hindsight, I think it “forced” me to be a good sight reader.
- Playing the piano for my church was the very best thing for me as a pianist. It gave me a “purpose” for my music. It also “forced” me to have the music performance – ready each Sunday.
What is one thing you often say to your piano students?
“One more time!” This is a huge joke in my studio because I say it about a dozen times. Students laugh at me because they know it’s never ONE more time. Haha!
Is there a common struggle your piano parents deal with? How do you help them through it?
Maybe just finding time to practice. Families are SO busy and parents tend to think that practice has to be a 30 minute session. I try to explain that 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there really adds up. I also stress the importance of consistency.
You can read more of Tracy’s practice suggestions in her book, “101 Practice Tips”.
What keeps you motivated as a teacher?
I love reading. Books like The Dynamic Studio inspire me.
I love connecting with other Upbeat teachers on Facebook. (Piano Teachers will be interested in Tracy and her partner Sara Campbell’s website and blog for teachers, Upbeat Piano Teachers.)
I try to focus on the student – not myself. I may teach 30 lessons each week, but my student only has ONE lesson each week. It’s a perspective that keeps me inspired to do my best.
Do you have a favorite piece that you enjoy teaching your students?
I’m not a “music pusher.” I like teaching what kids WANT to play. That’s really important to me. So if a student likes rag – I’ll teach rag. If they want La La Land – we’ll do that. There are a million songs to choose from. Why not choose a song that your student is excited about? – then they’ll actually practice! It’s really about THEM, not me.
Tell us about an app or technology that you find useful in your teaching.
The favorite app in my studio is Ningenius. Kids LOVE it!
See NinGenius in action below.
If you could visit with any composer or musician who would you choose and why?
Oh gosh! I have no idea! Maybe John Wesley because he wrote a lot of hymns? Or maybe a contemporary composer? I don’t know! I’ll have to think….I really love any kind of church music. I love the hymns, “At Calvary”, “Amazing Grace”, “Saved, Saved!” Contemporary Christian music is great too, but I also love Ragtime…maybe Scott Joplin. He wuld
Read the backstory behind the hymn “At Calvary” lyrics by William Newell, music by Daniel Towner.
What parting words of wisdom or quote do you have for parents of new piano students?
It makes me sad when kids (especially beginners) don’t practice. These “non- practicers” get discouraged and often assume that they aren’t good at playing the piano when, in reality they just didn’t practice. There is a BIG difference between lack of practice and lack of ability….most everyone has the ability if they put in the practice time.
Parents need to set their children up for success by encouraging (and maybe requiring) practice. Truthfully, most kids are super busy and won’t practice on their own.
I tell parents to help their child find time to practice. It doesn’t have to be long. Just 10-15 minutes, a few times a week can give amazing results. Consistency matters.
Connect with Tracy
