Music is a powerful force that can enrich a child’s life in countless ways. In the vast world of classical music, introducing kids to opera opens doors to a unique and enchanting experience. Let’s explore why opera is a fun and interesting way to connect kids with the rich history and relevance of classical music. Continue reading “Why and How to Introduce Kids to Opera”
Category: Playing and Learning Tips
A Round-Up Of Hanukkah Music Resources
As the Festival of Lights approaches, what better way to immerse your family in the spirit of Hanukkah than through the enchanting world of music? Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting your musical journey, I’ve curated a round-up of Hanukkah music resources that will add a delightful touch to your celebrations. From podcasts to piano tutorials and playlists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Continue reading “A Round-Up Of Hanukkah Music Resources”
Musical Nutcracker Activities
‘Tis the season to bring joy and festive fun to your doorstep, and I’m here to make your holiday season as merry as can be. Think of me as your musical Santa, delivering a sack full of delightful Nutcracker activities that will turn your home into a winter wonderland. Without further ado, let me present to you the “Busy Kids Do Piano Best of Nutcracker” list—a compilation of my top 5 Nutcracker activities that are sure to bring smiles to your little ones’ faces.
Free Printable Piano Flash Cards
Learning to play the piano is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially for young beginners. One of the fundamental skills that budding pianists need to develop is a solid understanding of keyboard geography. Knowing where each note is located on the piano is essential for playing melodies and reading sheet music. I’m thrilled to offer a free printable set of piano flash cards that are designed to help young piano students grasp the layout of the keyboard. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of keyboard geography, how these flash cards can be a valuable tool, and how to get your hands on this free resource. Continue reading “Free Printable Piano Flash Cards”
5 Ways to Get Out of a Piano Practice Slump
Today, I want to talk about something that many musicians OF ANY AGE experience at some point: the dreaded piano practice slump.
Maybe you’re having a difficult time getting back to regular piano practice because you’ve been traveling or busy and haven’t had a chance to sit down at the piano in a while. Maybe you’re struggling with motivation. Regardless of your reason, I believe that with a little determination and some helpful strategies, we can overcome this together!
Here are a few tips that might help you get out of your piano practice slump:
Continue reading “5 Ways to Get Out of a Piano Practice Slump”
August Members of the Month
Allow me to introduce you to our August Members of the Month, the Brander family. They have been a part of Busy Kids Do Piano for over 1 year, and have two boys in the program, Dominic (11) and Allen (8).
The boys attend school at home and access the BKDP online materials several times a week. We love the enthusiasm and commitment, boys!
Melissa, mom to the boys, took 8 years of piano lessons as a young person and has spent some time in music programs through church. She says the boys initially started taking piano lessons from their “Oma” (grandmother) but were unable to continue after she moved onto a boat!
Melissa shares, “Playing piano is important to me so that [the kids] have a solid understanding of music. Additionally, I think that learning to play an instrument brings a lot of brain benefits for people of all ages! We really like the practice challenges to help keep them motivated.”
Be a Kid Composer
Simply stated, I’m obsessed with fall. Around this time every year, I pull out my favorite coat and boots, and start wanting pumpkin-flavored treats and warm cider. For our download this month, I wanted to give your student an opportunity to relish the delights of fall as well. As we near November, the days are shorter, the rain clouds linger, and the leaves turn golden. It’s a very special, beautiful time of year and it tends to bring a certain vibe, a feeling quite different from the excitement of summer. Continue reading “Be a Kid Composer”
Composer Cash Incentive
There’s always something nostalgic and appealing about play-money, isn’t there? I grew up playing Monopoly and LIFE, and I remember loving a nice stack of pastel-colored cash. It felt so empowering to earn and spend my money, making grown-up types of deals with high dollar values. I bet you could tell me the color of the $500 bill in Monopoly, right? That’s how impactful these kinds of games are to us as kids!
This month, I wanted to create that feeling for my students. The download contains printable Composer Cash, featuring a different composer on the various bills, as well as a reward chart. But the rest of the challenge is up to you, and provides a great opportunity for you to connect with your student in a meaningful way to discuss not only their piano goals, but also what kinds of incentives mean the most to them. Continue reading “Composer Cash Incentive”
Host A Spring Piano Recital
Have you ever performed at a recital, whether in school or for some private lessons you were taking? I have spent countless hours at recitals, both as a student, and as a piano teacher. Some kids are really nervous when it comes to performing. Others shine in the spotlight. I remember feeling my fingers tremble a few times as I picked out which notes to play while my friends, family, and teacher silently watched. I made mistakes. I played beautiful pieces from memory. And I’ve been the silent onlooker, watching kids perform at every level. Continue reading “Host A Spring Piano Recital”
December Members of the Month
Meet the Woods Family from the western suburbs of Chicago! Darla and husband, Darnell have four daughters, Anayah 10, Kenzie 6, Teagan 4, and Tessa 2. Four years ago, they took an epic road trip from Illinois covering Texas, California, Nevada, and Colorado. They have plans to travel as much as possible when it can be done safely again!
