Chrissy Ricker
  • Home
  • Publications
    • Piano collections
    • Pop & rock arrangements
    • Video game arrangements
    • Vocal music
    • Instrumental music
  • Search
    • Search my catalog!
  • About
  • Blog
  • Free Stuff
  • Contact

Practice Skills by Level, Part 1: Beginners

1/15/2023

2 Comments

 
Picture
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...


Read More
2 Comments

Taking the Guesswork Out of Teaching "Guessers"

9/6/2022

2 Comments

 
Picture
We have all encountered "guessers" in our studio at one time or another: the students who seem to find it easier to guess at playing the right notes instead of reading the music carefully. 

A lesson with a "guesser" can be a frustrating experience for both teacher and student--but it doesn't have to be! In today's post, we will get to the root of why some students are "guessers," and I will share 4 strategies that will make your lessons with these students more productive and more fun!

Keep reading to take the guesswork out of teaching "guessers"....



Read More
2 Comments

Free Repertoire Challenge Coloring Pages!

5/15/2022

0 Comments

 
One of my favorite "end of the school year" activities is to help my students create a repertoire list of their very favorite pieces from the past year. It really gives students a sense of accomplishment to see all of the fun music they have learned how to play!

This is also a great activity for students who will be taking a break from lessons over the summer, as it gives them lots of pieces that they know well that they can continue to review and share with friends and family over their break.

Today I am sharing two free "Repertoire Challenge" coloring pages that you can use with your students this summer, too! Have your students write in the names of their favorite pieces, then color the page each time they review their repertoire. How many colors can they add to their page by the end of the summer?
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

A Recital-Ready Timeline for Students

4/7/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

Today I am sharing an updated version of 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!


​
Are spring recital preparations in full swing at your studio? We are T-minus 4 weeks from spring recital here at my studio, and the pressure is on!

Do you want to make sure that your students are confident, well-prepared, and ready to perform? Keep reading to find a handy, recital-ready timeline with tips on how to best help students to practice and prepare in the weeks leading up to a performance.


Read More
0 Comments

Metronome 101: 5 tips for introducing the metronome to your students

10/12/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
The metronome can be a helpful tool for many reasons. It can also be a tool that musicians love to hate!

Why is the metronome important, and how should students start practicing with the metronome? In today's post, I will be sharing some of my best tips for successfully introducing the metronome to your students--as well as a few alternatives to traditional metronome practice!

​Read on for more "Metronome 101..."


Read More
0 Comments
<<Previous

    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!

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016

    Categories

    All
    2 Minute Teaching Tips
    Active Listening
    Composer Focus
    Composition
    Duets
    Ear Training
    Easter
    Fall/Halloween
    Free Stuff
    Friday Funny
    Games
    Group Classes
    Holiday Music
    Lesson Planning
    Living Composers
    Memorization
    Music For One Hand
    Music History
    Musicianship Monthly
    NFMC Selections
    Online Lessons
    Patriotic Music
    Performing
    Pop Arrangements
    Practicing
    Professional Development
    Repertoire
    Rhythm
    Rote Teaching
    Saint Patrick's Day
    Sight Reading
    Summer
    Technique
    Technology
    Thanksgiving
    Theory
    Tips For Teens
    Transposition
    Travel Teaching
    Valentine's Day
    Wedding Music
    Young Beginners

    RSS Feed

    Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay informed about my latest publications and free teacher resources. Once you subscribe below, a fresh newsletter will be delivered to your inbox on the first of each month!

    *Your email will never be shared or used for any other purpose besides this once-monthly newsletter, and you may unsubscribe at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of your newsletter email or contacting me HERE through my website. 

Subscribe
 © ​Copyright 2023 Chrissy Ricker. All Rights Reserved.