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10 Ways to Use YouTube in Your Lessons

11/13/2023

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If you are like me, you probably have a love-hate relationship with YouTube.

YouTube can be a great tool for finding inspirational recordings and educational videos to show our students. However, there are also many less than wonderful recordings and tutorials out there that can be the source of much frustration for our students!

Like it or not, many of our students spend hours each week using this popular social media platform, so why not harness the power of YouTube and use it as a positive force in our studios?

Today, I am sharing 10 ways you can use YouTube in your lessons, along with some of my favorite videos and channels that you and your students are sure to love! Keep reading to learn more....


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Easy Improv Activities Using Backing Tracks from YouTube!

3/20/2023

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Do you enjoy improvising with your students? Have you wanted to incorporate more improv into your lessons but just aren't sure how to go about it? Either way...today's post is for you!

Did you know that there are tons of backing tracks--in every key and every style imaginable--available on YouTube? In today's post, we will be exploring some of these awesome (and free!)  backing tracks and how you can use them right now with students at every level!

​Keep reading to learn more....


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5 Pro Tips for Buying Music from Musicnotes!

2/23/2023

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If you have been reading my blog for a while, you probably know that I have been a "Signature Artist" arranger with the digital music publisher Musicnotes for nearly 3 years now. I've had so much fun working with the great team over at Musicnotes to build a catalog of accessible arrangements for piano students!

However, you may not know that Musicnotes has been one of my "go-to" resources for purchasing pop music for my own students for over a decade! Long before I ever dreamed of working for Musicnotes, I was using the site on a regular basis to shop for music for my own students.

So today, I am sharing my top 5 "pro tips" for shopping at Musicnotes--from special website features you might not know about, to how to get the best discounts on sheet music!

Keep reading to learn more....


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5 Fun YouTube Videos to Show Your Students this Month!

12/5/2022

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Looking for something fun, festive, and educational to mix into your holiday lessons this month? Check out these 5 fun holiday music videos that your students will love!

​From Tchaikovsky to the Piano Guys, these YouTube videos are sure to educate, inspire, and get you and your students in the holiday spirit.

​Read on to see the videos!


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Copyright 101: What You Need to Know About Copyright Law and Sheet Music

10/17/2022

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Understanding copyright law is essential for musicians and educators. But the rules can be tricky, and they can vary depending on where you live.

In today's post, I will be sharing what you and your students need to know about copyright and how it pertains to the sheet music you purchase and/or download.

Do you know the ins and outs of copyright law? Keep reading to find out!


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


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