Chrissy Ricker
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The Power of Choices: 5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Students Engaged at the Piano

10/23/2022

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Do you want to keep your students motivated and engaged at the piano over the long term? Then this article is for you!

I believe that the most important thing I do as a teacher to keep my students excited about piano lessons is to give them choices. Choices give students ownership over the learning process and help them to feel like their input is a valuable part of our lessons together. Choices have power, and learning how to use those choices to further your teaching goals is key!

Today I am sharing 5 ways you can use the power of choices to keep your students motivated, engaged, and excited about piano! Keep reading to learn more...


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Halloween Resources for Intermediate Students

10/10/2022

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I usually focus on the younger students in my studio when planning fun Halloween-themed activities--but I have found that my older students like to get in on the Halloween fun, too!

Today I am rounding up Halloween activities and sheet music that are perfect for the teens, 'tweens, and intermediate level students in your studio!

And best of all, many of these resources are absolutely FREE! ​Keep reading to see more...


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My Top 5 Lyrical Video Game Arrangements

10/2/2020

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A few months ago I did a post of my top 5 video game arrangements for beginners. Today, I am sharing another list: my top 5 lyrical video game arrangements!

​These are lovely, lyrical pieces from my students' favorite video games that I feel work especially well for the piano. I have found that these pieces have special appeal to my teen and ‘tween students of all levels!


Curious to see what’s on my list? Read on for more!



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Tips for Teaching Busy Teens

7/11/2020

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Do you have students who seem to “hit a wall” in their piano progress once they reach high school? Often these students enjoy piano and have a desire to learn, but are so overwhelmed with school work, extra-curricular activities, and college-prep that they just don’t have time to practice.

Even when students have limited practice time, I think there are benefits to continuing piano lessons. Playing a musical instrument can provide an important emotional and creative outlet for students during the stressful high school years. In addition to the life-long skills of self-discipline, problem-solving, and creative thinking that learning to play piano provide,  the musical skills students learn at the piano can be enjoyed for years to come as well. For example, your students might wish to play for their church or community choir or to help their own children practice piano one day! Finally, participation in piano lessons looks great on those college applications your students are working so hard on.

So, how do we best help these students, who have a desire to play piano and want to continue lessons, but have a limited amount of practice time? Read on for my tips for teaching busy teens!


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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.


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