Chrissy Ricker
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Musicianship Monthly #23: Composer Focus with Felix Mendelssohn

1/30/2023

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February is just around the corner, and that means it is time for a new "Musicianship Monthly" activity!

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What is "Musicianship Monthly?" Each month, I share links to free resources you can use to focus on a specific musicianship skill with your students all month long! Want to see past skills we have covered? Click HERE!

In this month's edition of "Musicianship Monthly," we will be expanding our music history knowledge by focusing on the composer Felix Mendelssohn, who was born on February 3, 1809!

Keep reading to find free resources you can share with your students to help them learn all about this famous composer!


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No Books? No Problem!

1/21/2023

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Picture it: your student walks in with a sheepish grin and no music books in sight. Although your student is right on time for his lesson, his books, unfortunately, are not. What do you do?

We’ve all been there -- and it can be frustrating to have our lesson plans derailed by a lack of books. However, instead of seeing this as a lost lesson, why not see it as an opportunity to focus on an activity that you and your student might not otherwise have time to do?
​

In today’s post, I’ll be sharing 4 fun activities you can have prepared for those times when a student arrives for lessons without their music, with links to free resources you can download instantly!

​Keep reading to learn more….


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Practice Skills by Level, Part 1: Beginners

1/15/2023

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Teaching students how to practice is an important part of our role as music educators. However, as our students mature and progress at the piano, their practice routines will change--as will the skills they need to be able to practice efficiently and effectively.

This spring on my blog, I will be sharing a four-part series on teaching practice skills to students at each level of development. These articles will feature my best tips and tricks for how to help students learn to practice efficiently and in an age-appropriate and level-appropriate way.

​Today's article is all about practice skills for beginners! Keep reading to see more...


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My Favorite "Student Saver" Pieces!

1/8/2023

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Looking for a few new pieces to energize your students as we kick off the year?

Today I am sharing a few favorite "student savers" from my own catalog. These are pieces that are always winners with my own students, and they are perfect to have on hand when a student needs a little boost!

Ready to get some fresh ideas? Keep reading to see the list!


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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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