The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast | Proven and practical tips, strategies and ideas for music teachers
Episodes
Preparatory Steps for Piano Sight Reading
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To teach great piano sight-reading skills, you need to make the thought process into tangible movements and activities. These preparatory steps are es...
Hit the Rote Piece Accelerator
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Teaching by rote, when done right, is a great way to teach the piano. You can bring rote learning into many aspects of teaching piano, and these days,...
Invest in these sight-reading skills in your studio
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Invest in these sight-reading skills in your studioImagine cliff diving blindfolded into unfamiliar waters without knowing what is below. Are your stu...
The Stubborn Duet Secret to Teaching Sight Reading Skills
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Teaching sight-reading skills to piano students is not always as simple as teaching them great reading skills. To be a great sight-reader you nee...
Improvise your way around the world
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Taking apart a specific genre or traditional style of music and putting it back together is a great way to understand it. In this episode, I'll give y...
How to Seek Out Different Music
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us teach, perform and listen to Classical music. Many of us also teach pop songs or jazz. But do you ever break outside of these walls?And if ...
5 Ways to Motivate Fatigued Music Students
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As music teachers, we all want teaching studios that are dynamic, full of life, and bursting with creativity. We want our students to arrive for their...
Lessons for Music Teachers from Folk Dancing
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Teachers can find lessons everywhere if they look carefully enough. In this article, I want to share with you the lessons I learnt from my years of fo...
Branding for Music Studios and Teachers
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What does your music studio brand say about you? Do you even have a brand? Of course, you do!Has anyone ever said to you, “I hear you’re the perso...
Growing Your Music Teaching Business
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Growing is as much a part of business as breathing is a part of life. It could be the smaller (but VERY important) types of expansion such as growing ...
A teaching studio story taster
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Find our new show by searching for "Teaching Studio Stories"!
Mentoring Our Way to Progress in the Music Teaching Industry
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If we want the music teaching industry to move forward, we need to be part of the change. We can only have so much impact through our own teachin...
How to Hire Your Right-Fit Teacher
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you think about hiring your first teacher, how do you feel? 🤔 Clueless? Scared? Definitely-not-for-me? Perhaps you’re excited and ready to s...
7 Reasons NOT to Expand Your Music Teaching Business
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Business expansion is not for every teacher. If you’re thinking about growing your music teaching business, read this article first.My job in this p...
The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast Trailer
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast! This is the show for you if you’re an instrumental or vocal music teacher that wants friendly, creati...
Debug Your Piano Teacher Life Balance for a New Season
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As a piano teacher, life and work tend to be intermingled and mashed together – but when that balance gets off kilter, you need to readjust.
Meditation in the Music Teaching Studio
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With all the emotions which come along with learning to play an instrument, meditation can be a great tool for piano students. Here's how.
Best Method for Teaching Piano Scales: Notation, Rote or Writing?
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What's the best method for teaching piano scales? Let's explore the various options so you can try different approaches with your students.
What Order Should I Teach Piano Scales In?
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever stopped to question whether you teach piano scales in the best order for your students? Learn more in this article and podcast.
When Should Piano Students Start Scales
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When is the best time for piano students to start scales? Here we'll unpack the ins and outs so you can decide yourself when to start scales.
How to Teach Piano Modes, for the Uninitiated
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dazed by dorian? Muddled by mixolydian? If you don't teach piano modes in your studio, here's the lowdown so you can get started.
7 Tips to Level-Up the Fun Factor in Solo Lessons
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Even if you teach music lessons one-on-one, you can still include games and make lessons incredibly fun for your students. Here's how.
How to Set Up a Piano Studio Lending Library
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Having a lending library in your piano studio is a great way to expand the resources available to your students. Whether you’re just starting a libr...
Adapting Piano Teaching Games in an Instant
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Found a great music theory game but it’s just not quite right for your student? Here are some ideas to adapt any piano teaching game for your studen...
Help! My Piano Parents Don't Want Us to Play Games!
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a piano parent complain that you’re playing too many games in lessons? Maybe they’ve asked you to take out all the games and jus...
4 Fun DIY Christmas Party Games
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you're tired of the traditional holiday recital or studio party, try this Blitzen Bash complete with gig-like performances & Christmas piano party ...
7 Awesome Tools to Assess and Address Transfer Piano Student Gaps
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When a new transfer piano student arrives in your studio, we have to assess their skills and gaps quickly. Here are 7 great tools to help.
How to talk to parents about practice
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
https://colourfulkeys.ie/shop/practice-pie https://blitzbooks.com/why-piano-playing-is-like-bike-riding/ In this masterclass, Nicola Can...
How to Teach Old Piano Parents New Tricks
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever struggled with the parents of transfer piano students, here are some strategies to teach an “old” piano parent new tricks.
How to Smoothly Switch Piano Methods Midstream
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a transfer student with an entirely wrong method book match, let me help smooth out the switch to more suitable piano methods.
Piano Transfer Students: Looking at the Sunny Side
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Piano transfer students get a bad rap, but they can actually be wonderful. Let me help you make them a favourite in your studio, too.
8 of the Best Piano Technique Books to Transform Your Teaching
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to teach technique to your students in a deliberate, systematic way, here are 8 of the best piano technique books to try.
Teaching Piano Articulation: How, When and Where
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s get you teaching what all of these piano articulation signs mean so your students play in a healthy and expressive way.
How Yoga Could Unlock Success in Your Piano Lessons
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Yoga is a fantastic tool for piano teachers and students, both in lessons and before home practice. Let me share what yoga has taught me.
3 Positive Piano Posture Tips for Teaching Wiggly Kids
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Teaching proper piano posture can be a challenge when students are little and struggle to sit still. Here are some tips to get you started.
How to Teach Piano Technique (without Hanon and the Lads)
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The old paradigm for how to teach piano technique worked OK...ish. I mean, it got many of us through our studies and towards teaching. But how man...
How to Teach Beginner Piano Students
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re just getting started, your instinct might be to start to teach beginner piano students first. After all, they’re just at the start too s...
Teaching Piano from Home with Healthy Habits
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Here are some solutions to help you keep the balance, stay zen and develop healthy habits while teaching piano lessons from home.
Shimmy into Your Symbolic Work-Shirt
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We often hear about dressing for success. Let’s take a look at what that means for piano teachers and why it matters even if we’re teaching a fe...
The Successful Music Teacher Map: 3 Horizons and a Shortcut
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Want to feel like a successful music teacher? The journey to becoming a successful music teacher can be scary. Avoid the quicksand and head straight ...
14 Lyric Writing Prompts for Piano Students
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Here are 14 of the best lyric writing prompts to inspire your piano students to dive into songwriting with confidence. These are perfect to use when a...
Help Students with Complex Rhythm Dictation
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Students often compose really interesting rhythms…but then have trouble figuring out how to notate them. In this article, I’ll help you as you hel...
Teaching Songwriting (When You're Not a Pro)
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Teaching songwriting to piano students can be hard when you’re not a master...
Your Music Teacher Vision Statement
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
150 characters. That’s all I’m allowing you for your music teacher vision statement. If you had to whittle it all down, what would you say? Why a...
How to Make a Steady Income as a Piano Teacher
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Teaching piano, violin or voice doesn’t have to be a risky career path – making a steady income as a piano teacher CAN be done. I’ll show you ho...
Best Project Management Software for Music Schools
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Project management software can help to add structure to scattered to-do lists. Finding the right project management tool for your music studio can fe...
Creating a Model Music Studio System
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Creating a music studio system might sound like a boring endeavor. But if you do it right – if you make a model studio – it can be exciting. It...
Paid Time Off for Piano Teachers
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you wish you could take paid holidays and sick leave? Think paid time off is just a pipe dream for self-employed piano teachers like us? I have the...
Overcoming the Disadvantage of Friday Piano Lessons
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are so many factors involved for a student to succeed in their music studies. Their parents, their teacher, their attitude and their grittiness ...
Growing Grit and Sharpening Piano Students’ Stick-to-it-ive-ness
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do some of your students seem to throw their hands in the air at the first whiff of struggle and difficulty? What they need is grittiness. They need t...
The 5 Masts of Music Student Motivation
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I think of music student motivation as 5 masts which keep a structure standing tall. Nurture all 5 for highly motivated and engaged students.
Gateway to Growth Mindset for Piano Students
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If your goal is to foster a growth mindset in your piano students, then extrinsic motivation could be the best route to get there.
Incentives, Awards and Rewards in the Piano Studio
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Incentives, awards and rewards are common practice in many piano studios. If you use them, you’re a raving fan. If you don’t, you’re staunchly...
What I Learnt About Listening in Online Lessons
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I think it’s fair to say that we all learnt a lot in 2020. Some of the biggest lessons for me last year were about listening…and Zoom was my teach...
Improve Aural Memory with these Music Games
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Every student can improve their aural memory over time. But some students come to us with a particularly weak aural memory which can present a real ch...
Five Steps to Create a Sensational Piano Mashup
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about creating a piano mashup with your students? It’s easier than you think and there are so many learning opportunities.
A Three-Minute Ear Training Exercise for Piano Students
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you're on the hunt for a new ear training exercise for your piano students, this step-by-step activity is perfect for you.
The Clear and Concise Guide to Curwen Hand Signs
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this article, we’ll get down to the brass tacks of why and how and music teachers of all stripes should use Curwen hand signs.
Tips for Teaching Piano Technique to Adults
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When teaching piano technique to adults, make it relevant to them and avoid sounding like a schoolteacher telling them off. Here's how.
Six Things Adult Beginner Piano Students Need to Hear
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Adult beginner piano students are often held back by mental and emotional baggage. Here's how to help them banish these limiting beliefs.
Refined Repertoire Adult Piano Students Will Adore
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Adult piano students need repertoire which sounds sophisticated but is easy enough for them to play. These are the top choices in my studio.
How to Attract More Adult Piano Students
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you love teaching adult piano students, you should be proactively working to attract them, not leaving it up to fate. Here's how.
Three Heroic Habits for Music Teachers
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Despite being so small, these 3 heroic habits for music teachers can make a big difference in the balance between your work and life.
Save Time by Outsourcing Your Music Studio Admin
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We signed up to be music teachers, not to be office-drones. But it can feel like we spend more time doing music teaching studio admin tasks than ac...
Doing "All the Things" in Your Piano Studio
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you dream of getting more stuff done in less time? I'm going to let you in on my secret for doing “all the things” in your piano studio...
Power Up Your Piano Teacher Productivity
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You read about the latest piano teacher productivity idea, but does it work? is it magic? The only way to know is to experiment. Here's how.
Top Findings from the 2020 Vibrant Music Teaching Industry Report
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Want to know what the average music studio teacher makes? Or what exactly they're teaching? Find out in the Vibrant Music Teaching Industry Report.
Five Questions to Ask Yourself at Least Once a Year
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Reflecting on the past year is an important part of getting ready for a new one. Tune in to find out my top 5 questions that I believe all teachers sh...
Getting Strategic About How You Teach Reading
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation is an excerpt from one of my member Strategy Sessions. In this call, a member and I worked to uncover the issue behind her students’...
Lead Sheet Basics: Where to Find Them and How to Use Them
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lead sheets are a vital tool for teaching other concepts and skills. But where do you find them? And once you do, how should you use them?
How to Teach Pop Music to Piano Students
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What approaches really work when it comes to teaching pop music to piano students? And where do we find great pop music arrangements, anyhow? We’l...
Why You Should Teach Pop Music in Your Studio
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do you teach pop music to your piano students? Why or why not? In this episode, I’ll explore the reasons I believe we should be teaching pop m...
How to make your data TALK
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Are you collecting and analysing data in your studio? If not, you might be missing out on the important information that numbers can give you. In th...
Teaching Beginner Reading in Online Piano Lessons
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been struggling with the idea of teaching the beginner stages of music reading online? I’m here to help! I found the idea of introducing ...
Teaching Rote Pieces in Online Piano Lessons
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Teaching rote or pattern pieces to piano students online has its own unique challenges. How do we make sure students remember these pieces? How do we ...
Teaching Technique in Online Piano Lessons
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Teaching technique in online piano lessons requires some rethinking and creative ideas to make it work. In this episode, I’ll go through my top tips...
Backup Plans for Online Music Teachers
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There’s one thing stressing many teachers out when it comes to online music lessons...what about when it all goes wrong?! What do we do when the int...
Teaching Strategies for Online Music Teaching
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What teaching strategies work for online music teachers? In this episode, we’ll unpack the adjustments most teachers need to make when teachin...
How to Make Your Online Music Lessons FUN
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Are your online lessons feeling a bit stale? Are you wondering if there’s a better way to engage with your students over video call? In this episo...
Planning and Systems for Online Music Lessons
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have good systems in place for your online lessons? Are you happy with how you take notes, plan or send assignment sheets to students? We’...
Tools and Software for Teaching Piano Online
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You can absolutely get started with teaching piano online simply. All you need is your computer and something to run the video call. When you’...
The Best Equipment for Online Piano Lessons
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to your online teaching kit a few upgrades can make a huge difference. But it can be SO confusing! In this episode, I’ll break down a...
Suggestions for Safe and Socially-Distant Piano Studios
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Are you trying to figure out what your music teaching studio will look like this year? Whether you’ve decided to teach online or in-person, or have ...
How to Get Ready for a New School Year
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready for a new year of teaching? There are several things you can do to get your head and your systems set up for a new school year. In th...
Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Purposeful
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt like you and a student were just meandering through lessons? Everything was going sort of ok...but where was it going, exactly? In ...
Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Relevant
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Choosing repertoire that feels relevant and that our students love sounds like it would be an obvious priority for us as teachers. But, sometimes, we ...
Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Open
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The primary goal of my studio and how I structure my curricula is all about opening doors for my students. I want them to have excellent technique and...
Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Fun
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Being a fun music teaching studio means a lot more than just having a smile on your face or playing games every once in a while. It can also mean your...
Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Cool
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Would your students describe you as “cool”? We’re diving into what it means to be a cool teacher and why your relationships with your students a...
Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Professional
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Being perceived as a professional is an important part of having the respect and attention of your students and their parents. Find out the three foun...
Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Welcoming
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you thought about the experience of a new student and their parents in your studio? Do you think they would feel welcomed and validated in their ...
Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Profitable
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If your music teaching studio is a business – and it is – then one of your primary goals should be to make a profit. To do that, you need to plan ...
Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Consistent
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is part of the Vibrant Music Studio 101 which will take you through 10 foundational building blocks for all great music teaching studios....
Vibrant Music Studio 101 – Deliberate
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is part of the Vibrant Music Studio 101 which will take you through 10 foundational building blocks for all great music teaching studios....
Teacher Lessons Learned in the Past Year
08 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This special episode celebrates our 100th episode in style by sharing some of the lessons listeners have learned over the past year. I hope you’ll t...
Listen. No Really, Listen. No, REALLY Listen.
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Listening skills are vital to becoming a great musician, and yet, many teachers never find time for developing them in lessons. Learn about active lis...
Prevent Summer Stress with a Studio Budget
25 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you made a budget for your music studio? This is an important factor if you want to manage your income better and be able to take time off withou...
5 Ways to Decompress in 5 Minutes
18 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We all get stressed or overwhelmed from time-to-time so it’s important to have strategies to decompress and relax quickly. Try out these ideas at th...
How to Show You’re on Their Side
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Developing a great relationship with your music students is vital to ensuring they follow your directions (both in the studio and at home) and have a ...
Good, and Again. Good, and Again.
04 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Are you overusing praise in your music studio? Could you be providing feedback in a more neutral way instead? On this episode of the podcast, we’ll ...