Teaching Tips

Für Elise

[Your Name Here] — Sat, 28 May 2011 01:57:42 +0000

Everybody deserves to play Für Elise.

Once upon a time you wanted to just like they do now.

Be kind.

And no, it's not cheating to use a simplified version.

Be kind to yourself, too.

[Your Name Here] — Sat, 28 May 2011 01:54:28 +0000

Teach each student as if they were your very best.

[Your Name Here] — Sat, 28 May 2011 01:45:29 +0000

For the tiniest hands

I keep this nearby.

Originally designed

as a massage ball,

its bumps stimulate

the inside of the hand

developing awareness

of hand position

from the inside out.

[Your Name Here] — Fri, 27 May 2011 21:50:21 +0000

There's an entire series of Little Lit books - all beloved.

In hardback, they're durable and liked by all ages.

[Your Name Here] — Fri, 27 May 2011 21:45:12 +0000

Keep white-out tape handy to make unwanted fingerings and markings disappear.

This one is my favorite. (Dryline Grip by Liquid Paper.)

[Your Name Here] — Fri, 27 May 2011 21:10:30 +0000

Delightfully encourage a correct hand

position using a squeezy ladybug.

Just the right size and shape for a young hand.

This is my student Paolo, grasping the ladybug.

[Your Name Here] — Wed, 11 May 2011 02:00:00 +0000

There's no hurry. Take the time to explain things calmly and completely. Concepts explained patiently have the best chance of sticking.

[Your Name Here] — Mon, 09 May 2011 21:00:00 +0000

Begin every lesson with a positive comment. There's always something good to say. Find it.