PODCAST · education
piano teacher primer
by Angela Toone
The only podcast for piano teachers just starting out! Each week Angela Toone, nationally certified piano teacher, will bring you actionable, accessible, fun ways to teach concepts with your very own students. Pro tips from the very best advice. How to teach piano lessons from the very beginning, and change the world one student at a time!
Episodes
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92. making practicing piano easier
Make practicing piano easier for our students by: 1. prepare them to practice in the lesson by teaching and reviewing landmark notes, demonstrating rhythm, and testing them to figure it out on their own. 2. external motivators as you see fit, and encouraging the parents to make sure practicing...
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91. Pro Tips Summer Studio Contests with Larissa Humphries
Larissa Humphries (a cello teacher friend) puts on these Summer Contests with her mom Stephanie Hinckley (my piano teacher friend). Such a great idea! First you look at what technical challenges your students may be having, gaps in their learning, things they need to work on. Second, choose a…
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90. [encore] how to keep piano going all summer
Are you thinking about (worrying about) summertime piano lessons? Between vacations, camps, students' schedules made more complicated if we have our own kids... Is it even worth it to try? So worth it! Listen in for suggestions from my experience, as well as my piano teacher friends including 1....
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89. it's a match! notes, chords, and the right teacher fit
Showing piano students which notes match, turns them into incredible note readers! Students finding chords and scales in their music gives them a huge boost in musical understanding and deeper knowledge. Teacher fit, (I don't mean teacher outfits!) But how to decide who you want to be as a…
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88. scales + chords with Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast
Huge thanks to Jaclyn Mrozek for having me on the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast! We give a quick run-down of the unique way I teach scales and chords to piano students, allowing them to internalize the patterns, recognize them in their music, and fuel their other musical pursuits. Enjoy…
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87. what if? piano teacher worries
What if the student still isn't getting it right? What if the parent isn't happy with their progress? What if the student just doesn't care? What if I feel unprepared or unqualified as a teacher? I answer these and more worries from past clients, my own experience, and those submitted by piano...
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86. mind + body connection with Ally Yardley and Kamryn Shepherd
These two brilliant college piano performance majors have studied, researched and put together an incredible presentation that I can't wait to share with you! As we explore 5 ways to connect the mind and body, Visualization Affirmation EFT And Meditation, we’ll discover optimal musical…
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85. Pro Tips with Susan Staples Bell - Improvisation
Ever feel like improv is a musical mystery? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This week’s podcast episode is all about bringing improv magic to your piano studio. I’m chatting with Susan Staples Bell. She shares fun, easy activities to help your students explore their creative side (and maybe…
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84. talk less, play more
Talk less, smile more? Ya that too! But we can talk less play more with Duets, Demonstrations, and Do play more games too! -Playing duets with students is more fun for you and teaches them by just going forward with the music, rhythm and expression included -Demonstrate for them rhythms…
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83. teaching balance of melody and accompaniment
Sparked by last week's episode on teaching expression and musicality, we need a "how-to!" Specifically how to teach balancing melody and accompaniment. Challenging to do! I give you what I say, what I do, what I've learned, and encourage teachers to celebrate each small victory along the path to...
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82. teaching musical expression, the markings and the magic
Teaching students to play expressively is more than dynamics. It is about enhancing the indications, and going beyond the notes to imagine and feel the mood of each passage. From musical markings to magical moments—learn how to guide students of various levels in expressing emotions…
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81. accelerate or adjust? the pace for progress
When should we accelerate our piano students forward, and when is it better to adjust and take a different approach? To challenge or not to challenge? In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between pushing students forward or decelerating that motion a bit. It's an art, not a science—…
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80. out of our comfort zones
Why step out of your comfort zone as a piano teacher? Because growth is what we're made for! It brings energy, excitement, and a deeper connection to your students. In this episode, be inspired with many ideas like how to introduce new method books, explore the latest supplementary music, or even...
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79. students from other piano teachers
Have you ever had a student from another piano teacher that seems to have some gaps in their musical education? Maybe they can play well, but learning a new piece takes forever? Or they have a good knowledge of the note values, but they don't play in rhythm? It can be tricky to figure out how to...
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78. sharps, flats, and key signatures from A to G
That’s right A to G and all the keys in-between! What's harder sharps or flats? What keys are the hardest for you the teacher to play in? Which ones are hardest for your students? Let's vote on Instagram or spotify poll! We’ll dive into teaching sharps and flats initially, accidentals, and moving...
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77. [encore] 3 ways to teach rhythm...you choose the way!
As we wrap up the last of the summer encore episodes, I HAD to include this one because rhythm is the essential life blood of all music, and is often not taught effectively. I explore 3 ways of counting rhythm -all of which I use with different students and in different situations 1. traditional...
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76. [encore] correcting notes....positively!
This episode got a re-record and an upgrade to explain how I help piano students fix notes in a positive way, and in a way that positively fixes that note more permanently in these common scenarios: 1. They realize It’s not right and fix it themselves immediately 2. They can hear something is...
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75. [encore] landmarks and intervals...this is the way!
I think this episode deserves a place in the top ten, so I am showcasing it as an encore episode. I describe the best way I have found to teach note-reading to piano students, and best of all, it works with whichever piano teaching method you use, propelling students forward in these 3 ways: 1....
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74. [encore] the musical alphabet
I get questions from piano teachers: "Thanks for your first lesson video, I love it...what do I do next?" This episode answers that question! How to recognize the white note letter names without having to start at A all the time (takes forever!) Plus I play games with little erasers to remind...
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73. [encore] 3 elements of a first piano lesson
This summer, I am re-releasing some of my favorites - and yours! This episode has the most listens, and a great response among new teachers and elites as well... and there's a good reason why! To watch a video demonstration of this podcast, click this link- first lesson It's hosted on a site with...
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72. technology helpers for piano teachers
In this episode I tackle tech! Sharing the very few technologies I have braved figuring out to help make life easier as a piano teacher, and bring in some educational fun! I also enlisted the help of my friend Wendy Brewster, a fabulous piano teacher with a knack for apps. I share some of her...
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71. Pro Tips with Patricia Kelsey Graham
This sweet, warm, kind, musical, dedicated, creative Grandma-lady was my piano teacher through all my elementary years. She's been teaching since 1962, and has 16 studeents to this day! You'll hear how she started paying her aunt Mabel 50 cents for each piano lesson, to all these years later and...
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70. "play" money
Make extra money--->teaching children to play---> Play games to teach---->children play to learn---> Play with children--->while making money---> Make money to play more with your own children---> Be there as mom of your own children--->while helping other children---> Play the piano--->and you…
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69. "growing" money
Another one of my hobbies is gardening, but for aliving I’m growing piano students. Think for a minute of what you are growing as a piano teacher. Not only students getting taller than their teacher, but they are growing in knowledge week in and week out, month after month, recital after recital....
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68. teaching piano = freedom
Teaching piano has given me freedom in the following ways: 1. As a creative person 2. As a mom 3. As a saver 4. And as a professional I explain how teaching piano has given me freedom of creative expression, freedom of flexibility, freedom to finally be able to pay for stuff, and expand my mind…
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67. not teaching piano yet? start here
Curious about sharing your love for music? Thought about teaching piano but unsure where to begin? This podcast episode is the perfect starting point! Come along as we unravel the secrets to successful piano teaching, from finding your teaching style to building a thriving student base. Let's…
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66. Success Stories
Some more piano teaching success stories comin at ya, but instead of from my own students, we have 3 of my clients. Piano teacher successes happening all over the country! From Utah to Kentucky to Georgia. They share a bit about their different studios, how they run things, and some things that...
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65. Success Students
On this episode I mini-interview 2 of my actual students one current and one past: Mary and Tyler. They each have overcome a lot to be able to perform as well as they do. They share what has been helpful as they've learned to manage performance anxiety. Check out my next masterclass "Performance...
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64. performance without anxiety
Heart beating, palms sweating, breathing faster, hard to concentrate….you know what that means….stage fright or performance anxiety. Something we all deal with to some extent, and our goal is not to stop feeling nervous, but work with it, and bring in the good feelings with helpful thoughts!…
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63. by heart, teaching memorization
Have you or your students experienced these worst-case scenarios? Go up to perform…can’t remember the starting notes. Or the performance is going pretty well, then get stuck and can’t finish! Or a huge break in the middle or skipped parts! Mortifying! Traumatic even! I know from experience! I…
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62. Pro Tips with Rachel Ehring
Dr. Rachel Ehring is a true creative! She shares all the many hats she wears, and the solutions she has found and developed for each. We talk: teaching resources, private and group accompanying (she has a new how-to course coming out! link) podcasting All the things! Here are her top 3 tips for...
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61. tough conversations with piano parents
Bravely take on any potentially challenging conversations with piano parents to bring the collaboration of student, teacher, and parent together all for the students' successful piano education. Things like Student not practicing all their pieces Recital piece not ready in time Cutting back…
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60. Pro Tips with Dr. Elizabeth Davis-Everhart -neurodiverse students
Have any piano students on the Autism spectrum? How about ADHD? Dislexia? Maybe they are just very wiggly? If you haven't had the pleasure of teaching piano to students with different challenges, we will fill you in.... You teach them...differently! Pop in my conversation with Dr. Elizabeth...
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59. tips for tired piano teachers
As a mom of 4 kids I get it! In this episode I share a few quick tips and some longer term solutions for tired piano teachers.
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58. Pro Tips with Jessica Allen - Let's Play Music and method books
My friend Jessica Allen has been teaching for 30 years (even longer than me!) and has over 60 students including younger child group classes through the Let's Play Music program, which she explains the idea behind and the process of using this program. I also asked her to share some method books...
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57. imagine that!
Our culture sees imagination it as kind of childish, I'm here to offer that imagination can not only enhance our students' musical expression, but can improve our lives as we picture the studio and life of our dreams! I pictured in my mind a job at home with my kids, teaching children something I...
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56. Pro Tips with Jessica Homewood
First click here for info on an upgrade from the piano teacher primer course, the piano teacher TOOLBOX a 6 week small group packed with masterclasses, "done for you" games, Q & A, and bouncing ideas off each other. only 8 spots open now, starts February 1st. Jessica Homewood of "not your…
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55. classical music: how to start
Going into more detail on how to start teaching classical music to piano students, and my go-to resources with the easiest classical music ever written for piano. Also, you gotta listen to episode 49. 3 tips on choosing music for students because once I have a book for the student, then we choose…
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54. 4 new piano teaching ideas for 2024
Listen in for 4 no-guilt, no-resolution, no-stress NEW ideas you can try to make things more fun for your students and for yourself as a teacher! 1. Learn a new piece yourself, or maybe pick up a new instrument! 2. Try some new teaching books, method books, new pieces, new approaches to teach to...
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53. what a gift! the gift of music
At this season of giving, I reflect on what a gift music is in our lives, and in the lives of our students. The gift that keeps on giving! Includes service, joy, and magic that spans the generations. Happy Holidays everyone! More piano teaching resources on angelatoone.com how I teach a first...
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52. aha moments illuminating piano teaching
"aha moments" "Eureka, I've got it" "light bulb moments" I share a few of my own, a few from my students, and how these moments can illuminate your piano teaching! Find the instagram post for this episode and share some from your experience More piano teaching resources on angelatoone.com how I...
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51. students’ brains on music
This is your brain on music....superbrain! This episode shares some statistics, quotes, and my own less-scientific observations of the effects of learning a musical instrument in general -and in learning to play the piano specifically- on the brain. Things I share with my own students and…
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50. 3 things I am thankful for
In honor of Thanksgiving, and my podcast turning 1 year old, I am feeling so grateful for 3 things in particular that piano teaching has given me: 1. A chance educate cute kids, be a kid myself, and watch these kids grow into teens and adults creating lifelong relationships 2. Piano teaching…
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49. 3 tips on choosing music for students
One of the most challenging things about teaching piano lessons! I get a lot of questions about choosing music for students, so I have 3 tips for you! 1. Have the student try it out, sightread 2. Play 3 choices for them either you play the piece for them on the piano, or look up good recordings…
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48. from practice room to stage, adapting focus
I find myself saying these things over and over to students, so I will repeat them one more time and your students can hear it too! The focus changes for us as teachers, but most of the episode is for adapting students' focus whether in a practice setting, performing solo, or performing in an…
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47. Pro Tips with Andrea Miller - Business
Yes we have Andrea Miller from Music Studio Startup as a guest on the piano teacher primer podcast! I think as piano teachers we're so excited about the kids, passionate about music, but maybe nervous about the business side of teaching piano. With Andrea's help, it's not a big deal! Andrea helps...
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46. occasional group piano classes, why and how
In this episode, we uncover the benefits and strategies for incorporating group piano classes into your private lesson routine. Discover the advantages of building a sense of community, encouraging collaboration, and reinforcing musical concepts in a group setting. Learn effective ways to…
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45. Pro Tips with Laura Francis: Teaching Adults
My friend Laura and I could not stop talking! She has been teaching piano for 30 years, and teaches cello as well. Like me, she has mentored students with teaching also. Laura has developed an innovative way of teaching adults that is flexible, automated, and supports them in their musical goals!...
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44. should I teach piano? my story
Those computer questionnaires that help you decide what to be when you grow up....not that helpful My own intuition plus advice from my mom and piano teacher? ...very helpful! I share what it was like 25 years ago when I started teaching I often felt overwhelmed and underqualified Good thing...
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43. teach your own kids piano…?
This podcast is not just helping piano teachers, but also moms! Several moms have reached out and told me that they are using this podcast, and the free video "how I teach a first piano lesson" to teach their own kids piano, or supplement their piano lessons, or to prepare them for lessons with...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The only podcast for piano teachers just starting out! Each week Angela Toone, nationally certified piano teacher, will bring you actionable, accessible, fun ways to teach concepts with your very own students. Pro tips from the very best advice. How to teach piano lessons from the very beginning, and change the world one student at a time!
HOSTED BY
Angela Toone
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does piano teacher primer have?
piano teacher primer currently has 93 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is piano teacher primer about?
The only podcast for piano teachers just starting out! Each week Angela Toone, nationally certified piano teacher, will bring you actionable, accessible, fun ways to teach concepts with your very own students. Pro tips from the very best advice. How to teach piano lessons from the very beginning,...
How often does piano teacher primer release new episodes?
piano teacher primer has 93 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to piano teacher primer?
You can listen to piano teacher primer on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts piano teacher primer?
piano teacher primer is created and hosted by Angela Toone.
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