Chrissy Ricker
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Think Like a Composer: Tips for Teaching Musical Interpretation

1/30/2020

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Today I am sharing this article that I wrote for the blog at Tonara.com.

If you aren't familiar with Tonara, it is a unique app with a variety of features that enable teachers to manage their studio and motivate their students to practice. Visit Tonara's website HERE to learn more!




If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then I think it is safe to say that music is in the ear of the beholder. Have you ever noticed that three different people can listen to the same piece of music and experience it in three completely different ways?

One of my favorite things about music is that each performance is truly a three-way collaboration: a merging of the inspiration of the composer, the interpretation of the performer, and the experience of the listener. Each musical performance is different, and each time we listen to a piece of music it has the potential to make us hear it in a new and exciting way.
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Many of our students begin piano lessons because they have experienced the emotional connection that listening to a beautiful piece of music can bring. A great musical performance is all about bringing the composer’s “story” to life. So, how can we help our students learn to interpret the stories behind their music and to perform more artistically? Let’s teach them how to think like a composer!


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A Free Valentine's Day Improv Activity!

1/27/2020

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Today I am sharing a fun improv activity for February that can be customized for students at every level! This activity encourages students to improvise in both major and minor keys and to create a melody in 3/4 time.

Click HERE or on the picture to download this activity, including a teacher instruction page for tips on how to introduce this improv to your students.

Happy improvising!

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Sale alert!

1/21/2020

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Just a quick post to share that all of my titles over at Piano Pronto are 20% off this week (through Sunday, January 26th)!

You can see all of my sale titles HERE. Or, read on for links to each collection!

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Freebie alert! "Roll the Dice" interval worksheet

1/14/2020

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Do you have a hard time getting your students "on a roll" after Christmas break? I know I do!

This month I have been brainstorming ways to make practice and review in our lessons just a bit more fun. So I had a thought--how about turning some of these activities into a game using dice?

Today I am sharing a fun "roll the dice" worksheet that helps students to review intervals and draw them on the staff. Use the dice from your favorite board game, or search "google dice" and use a virtual set of dice to complete this worksheet!


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"Ready to Quest!" is here!

1/4/2020

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​Are you looking for some exciting new music to fire up your first-year students this spring? Look no further!

I am excited to share my newest collection, "Ready to Quest!" This collection is the fourth book in my "Let's Quest!" series of video game and fantasy-inspired piano pieces. This newest addition to the series is the easiest volume of the set, featuring 10 elementary-level solos with optional teacher duets.


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    Author

    Chrissy Ricker is a pianist, teacher, and composer from North Carolina. These are her thoughts on teaching, composing, and all things music.


    Looking for teaching ideas related to a specific topic? Use the "search" feature or scroll down to see blog posts organized by category!

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