Multilevel group piano classes can transform the way music is taught and learned. Embracing this innovative teaching method addresses common classroom challenges and enriches students' musical journeys. The Piano Pyramid® curriculum is at the forefront of this educational revolution. It offers a comprehensive, multilevel group piano curriculum for ages eight and up, from beginners to early-intermediate levels. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Piano Pyramid® revolutionizes the group piano classroom, making it an essential resource for piano teachers seeking to optimize their group teaching ..read more

If you've ever wondered why it's recommended for children to start piano lessons at a young age, you're not alone. While every parent may secretly hope to raise the next Mozart, the goal of enrolling a child in a preschool piano class extends beyond nurturing professional musicians. Musical training profoundly impacts children's cognitive development, and a preschool piano class with peers remains one of the most popular ways to kickstart this journey. Let's delve into the valuable lessons preschoolers can learn in such a setting. Piano Pyramid® Explorers class for ages 4-5 Impulse Control Yo ..read more

I thought it might be interesting to share my reasons for transforming my group piano studio into a place where assessments and evaluations are a positive and integral part of the learning process.  Over the years, my studio has evolved to offer two distinct learning programs: Piano For Fun (group piano) and Piano Mastery (private lessons). These programs cater to students with varying goals, from those looking to enjoy the piano as a hobby to those preparing for examinations or college auditions. However, I'd like to focus on how I've embraced assessments and evaluations in my group pian ..read more

Group piano lessons offer a unique and enjoyable experience, allowing students to learn from one another, build camaraderie, and develop essential piano skills. Teachers must have a solid plan and adhere to best practices that encourage cooperation, growth, and a love for making music together to make the most of group piano lessons. In this blog post, we will explore the key elements that contribute to excellent group piano lessons. Smiling faces after a one day three-hour piano camp! Have a Plan: Establishing Leadership and Structure In a group setting, it's essential to have a clear ..read more

Group piano lessons are a great way to learn and share musical experiences with others. They allow for social interaction, team building, and support while learning to play the piano.  Different group lessons cater to other teachers' and students' preferences and learning styles. Group piano-only lessons are lessons where students learn in a group without private instruction. This type of lesson is great for beginners who want to learn the basics of music and play with others. Partner lessons are lessons where two students learn together with one teacher. This type of lesson is g ..read more

Join the waitlist Piano Pyramid™ Academy 2.0 is a complete group piano digital course set to open on May 1.  This innovative course offers on-demand lessons, combined with weekly live meetings on Zoom, aimed at piano teachers looking to refine their skills and enter the world of group piano teaching. The program is structured into five main topics: Decisions, Planning, Framework, Styles of group teaching, and Multilevel groups.  Each topic is carefully crafted to help piano teachers develop their skills to succeed in teaching in a group setting. Learn more Decisions: In thi ..read more

One of the easiest ways to manage your group piano classes is with multilevel ensembles. It allows each student to work towards the same goal at their level. Multilevel piano ensembles provide at least three variations of the piece and permit the teacher to nurture the student's musical growth. It is also an approach for the teacher to keep the class together on the same page and have flexibility with students who need supplementary repertoire. Combining beginner to early intermediate students in one class can be done effectively with ages 8-11 and 11-14. In addition to playing their part ac ..read more

Let's be real.   Teaching children to play the piano in a group setting is not easy. Today, I am thinking of a group piano class that meets at 3:30 pm on Fridays.  Six students. Ages 7-12. Two of them talk continuously. Even with headphones on. One always want to follow his own agenda. Another thinks I don't realize she is not playing what I asked her to work on. The other one asks for help for every single line of music. Even after he has played it for me perfectly just a few moments ago. And let's not forget the one who makes a joke out of everything. EVERYTHING. WHY do I still tea ..read more

This post includes the original post at www.missdorla.com Week by week. Year after year. Students arrive at their piano lesson without practicing their assigned pieces. Week by week. Year after year. Piano teachers try to find ways to entice students to practice. Piano students are "let go" from piano studios because they do not practice. Households are stressed because piano students do not practice. Piano teachers are loosing students because parents are tired of weekly messages saying "Johnny needs to practice ." On the other hand... Playing sports is so much fun! Put on your t-shirt, join ..read more

I struggled for so many years trying to find a piano method that would be flexible to my studio needs. Dreaming of creating my own piano method was always in the back of my mind. Twenty-five years ago? That was next to impossible if you were not backed by a publishing house or had someone with extra cash to fund your project! I "discovered" Piano Pronto in 2013 while judging for the Piano Guild in East Texas. An 80-year-old piano teacher had several of her students playing pieces composed by Jennifer Eklund. I am not sure what impressed me about the pieces, but I know I wrote down the website ..read more