Creative Piano Pedagogy

Send us Fan MailPiano teaching gets a lot easier once you stop treating every missed practice session like a personal insult! I’m joined by Dr. Christina Mathis, founder and director of Carey Music Academy at William Carey University, to talk about what it looks like to teach with infectious joy and humor while still honoring the reality of busy schedules, neurodivergent learners, adult beginners, and stressed-out college students.Christina shares how she helps students build sustainable practice habits, stay creative when life is packed, and find joy in the process, not just the “big moments” like festivals, exams, and performances. We also talk about human capacity and boundaries, including the hidden cost of “yes” when students stack commitments, scholarships, sports, and theater. As pedagogues, we want to ensure that students are enjoying their lessons rather than create environments where students approach lessons with dread and anxiety, and sometimes that means we have to check our egos at the door.  If you’re looking for real-life music education strategies that still produce strong musicianship, this fun and engaging conversation will meet you right where you teach.Subscribe, share this with a fellow teacher, and leave a review so more piano educators can find the show! Links:Learn more about Dr. Christina Mathis and her podcast here!Follow Dr. Christina Mathis on Instagram!Check out our new Member Resources here!Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailAwareness is a start, but it’s not the finish line. Tara Mock joins me to unpack three words we hear constantly in music education and piano pedagogy right now: autism awareness, autism acceptance, and accessibility. From there, we move into what accessible teaching actually looks like for neurodivergent piano students and for learners with invisible disabilities. Tara shares lived perspective around Tourette syndrome and the complicated reality of concert etiquette, judging processes, and policies that unintentionally exclude. The takeaway is simple but demanding: accessibility is not an option, and we can keep learning by asking better questions, listening to families, and staying skeptical of miracle solutions.✨ Subscribe for more conversations on neurodiversity, inclusive piano teaching, ADHD, dyslexia, meltdowns, and accessible music education, and if this helped you, share it with a teacher friend and leave us a review! What’s one small change you could make this month to increase accessibility in your studio?Links:Create a free Member Account to access the freebies in the Member Resource Library! Last call for Spring Book Club! Join us and read Bright Not Broken together!Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailRecital season can bring out the best in a studio and the most stress in our students. We’re taking a fresh, practical look at performances, festivals, and adjudications with one guiding question: does this experience help a student leave feeling joy, momentum, and pride in their music, or does it pile on fear that makes them want to quit? I share how I decide when an adjudicated event is a great fit and when it is simply not worth the anxiety, and you’ll also hear my perspective after more than two decades of adjudicating. We wrap up with an encouragement for end-of-year lessons and how to keep the joy in music making.From today's episode:Last chance to join the Spring Piano Teachers Book Club- there's room for you!The Repertoire List we love (with ratings/motivation)Join our Free Membership to access free resources!Carnegie Hall Kids- great music games/quizzes!Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailWhat if the real breakthroughs in your piano studio have less to do with scales and more to do with the space between the notes—how we set boundaries, model calm, teach appropriate social skills and communication, and design lessons that students can actually navigate? We start with the gap most teachers feel but rarely name: students arrive with different developmental ages than their birthdates suggest. That mismatch can make a brilliant nine-year-old look like a distracted preschooler unless we plan for social-emotional learning. You’ll hear how a simple routine (paired with clear gestures) builds delayed gratification, listening, and respect. Along the way, we share stories—from the unforgettable iPad-in-the-microwave moment to quiet wins where consistency and kindness changed the arc of a lesson.We also announce fresh resources to support your growth: -a free member portal with a growing library of digital tools (click "Join Now" at the top menu)-spring book club of "Bright Not Broken" to better understand twice-exceptional students-a summer cohort of Adaptive Piano Pedagogy 101-new St. Patrick's Day themed activities for lessons-brand new sacred sheet music by Elizabeth for LentIf you’re ready to move from firefighting to foresight, this is your roadmap to proactive teaching that protects creativity, honors neurodiversity, and gets more music made.Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailIn this second episode on dyslexia with Dr. Olivia Colomaio, we explore how dyslexia shows up in piano study and share tools that replace quick fixes with sound-first learning and real transfer. Practical strategies, honest self-assessment, and effort-based awards help students grow skills and confidence without gimmicks. If you’ve wondered how to support dyslexic pianists with compassion and precision, this conversation gives you a map you can use today!Don’t forget to share this with a teacher friend that you think might enjoy it! Check out The Dyslexic Advantage recommended by Dr. Olivia📚The Spring session of the Piano Teachers Book Club starts soon- Join us!Don't miss the new freebies and teaching resources on the CPP shop or EtsySupport the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailIn part 1 of the conversation with Dr. Olivia Colomaio, we dive into what dyslexia actually is, why it’s often misunderstood, and how those myths affect piano teaching and our students. Olivia shares research, lived experience, and practical ways teachers can adapt without waiting for a diagnosis, while we urge more empathy for families navigating dyslexia and neurodiversity.We also talk openly about why parents may not disclose diagnoses, the emotional journey of seeking answers, and how music teachers can approach families with respect, curiosity, and care. Most importantly, we offer practical, compassionate strategies you can use right away with your own students.✨ Subscribe and share with a friend✨ Leave a quick review/rating to let us know you're enjoying the podcast✨ Don't forget to follow on YouTube, Instagram or Facebook--> And don't miss out on the new teaching resources [and freebies] on the online store!📚 The spring session of the Piano Teachers Book Club starts soon- Join the waitlist!Questions about piano teaching? Feel free to contact us:Dr. Olivia- [email protected]. Elizabeth- [email protected] ☕️ Enjoying the podcast? Buy us a cup of coffee as a way to show support.Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailWe share eight concrete (but easy) changes that made teaching calmer, more creative, and more student-centered in 2025, from consolidating schedules to story-driven composition. Along the way, we explore deeper questioning, smarter research habits, and small rituals that fuel focus and joy.If you’re ready to teach with more intention and less noise, this conversation offers concrete steps and tools you can try this week. Subscribe, leave a review if this helped you, and share the episode with a colleague who could use a calmer, more creative start to their teaching year.✨ You can also watch the podcast on YouTube!Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailTeaching doesn’t require superhero energy; it requires humane rhythms, clear anchors, and courage to pivot. We sit down to unpack the real weight of lesson planning during a busy season, how we manage exhaustion without guilt, and why lowering the pressure can raise the music. From the “sacred 45” minutes that protect our focus to the 15-minute pauses that keep us present, we share small rituals that sustain big care.We also tackle neurodivergent-friendly strategies with honesty and warmth. When plans flop, we don’t panic—we adapt.  Along the way, we invite your questions for a crowd-sourced Q&A in January and share details about our upcoming teacher chat on Zoom.If you’re craving practical ideas for piano pedagogy, neurodiversity-aware teaching, and low-stress recital planning, you’ll feel right at home here. Press play, save your favorite tips, and tell us what you’ll try next. If this conversation helped, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find it.Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailWhat if the most powerful teaching shift is letting go of how the lesson “should” go? We unpack four hard-earned insights from years of teaching gifted and neurodivergent piano students—ideas that lower stress, boost engagement, and bring the joy back to the bench.If you teach music, special education, or any special learner, these stories and strategies will help you teach with calm, clarity, and heart. Listen, try one idea this week, and tell us what changed. If the conversation helped, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review on Spotify or Apple to help others find the show!Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailThe holidays can be magical—and completely overwhelming. Between school concerts, studio plans, nonstop decorations, and family expectations, our students’ senses get flooded and their routines get disrupted. We talk frankly about what actually helps neurodivergent learners during this season and how we, as teachers, can be the steady, calm center when everything else speeds up.If you’re craving a simple, humane approach to the holidays, this conversation gives you the scripts, structures, and small tips that make a big difference. Subscribe, share with a teacher friend who needs a calmer December, and leave a review to tell us which strategy you’ll try first!Subscribe to the new blog!Looking for some new holiday fidgets, no-prep activities or Elizabeth's students' favorite Scratch Ornaments? Check them out here!Check out our favorite Christmas/holiday repertoire (including the music mentioned in today's episode)Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailBig shifts are brewing at Creative Piano Pedagogy, and we’re inviting you behind the scenes! After five years of building resources solo, we’re leveling up into a true partnership that pairs big-picture creativity with sharp systems and operations. That means better courses, clearer communications, and a brand-new website designed to make it easier to find the tools you need to teach with confidence. Expect offerings that blend evidence-based strategies with simple, practical steps you can use in lessons right away.To keep things human, we also loosen up with rapid-fire questions: what we listen to when we’re not teaching, the coffee orders that fuel us, and the composers we love to play but hesitate to teach. If you’re a piano teacher looking for inspired ideas grounded in solid research, you’ll feel at home here. Tap play, meet the team, and help shape what comes next by sharing your studio challenges and wish list. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague who’s ready for fresh energy in their teaching.Links:Check out the new Etsy shop!Jingle Bells- Elizabeth's favorite 4-hand arrangement by Robert Vandall (or get the single sheet music here)Browse our favorite Christmas ensemble collectionsCheck out our favorite Christmas solo music (beginner-advanced)Listen to Tara's first episode on the podcastWe are partners with Amazon's Affiliate Program to earn a small commission from purchases made through our links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast and mission of CPP!Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailThis episode challenges the myth that teachers need a diagnosis to teach well and offers practical ways to create a welcoming intake, read the learner in real time, and build trust with parents who value privacy. We share scripts, strategies, and a mindset shift: see the student, not the label.• privacy and dignity as non‑negotiables• welcoming intake that centers the learner• improvisation and co‑composition as assessment• lowering parent defenses with empathy• labels as hypotheses, not prescriptions• repertoire choice as motivation and access• language that invites, not interrogates• challenge to adapt teaching before seeking labelsPlease tap the review button on Apple and leave a quick note about what you enjoyed or which episode was your favorite so Apple, Buzzsprout and Spotify will recommend the podcast to others! Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailWhat if the “wiggles” are actually your student’s brain doing its best work? Elizabeth opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD at age three and the unexpected way piano became her first tool for focus, self-regulation, and joy. From caffeinated laps at a recital hall to discovering that busy hands can calm a busy mind, this story threads personal insight into practical strategies any teacher can use.The episode leans into creative problem solving. Through it all runs one idea: teach the student in front of you, not the stereotype. When we design for a busy mind and busy body, we uncover a musician who thrives on challenge and learns fast.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick rating and review on Apple Podcasts—it helps others find these conversations and supports more inclusive, effective music teaching!Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailWhat does autism really look like in the piano studio? Autism Spectrum Disorder exists on a continuum as varied as the individuals who experience it. We explore why nonverbal doesn't mean unable to understand, why avoiding eye contact doesn't signal disinterest in social connection, and why differences in neurological processing aren't deficits but simply different pathways to learning. This episode dismantles common misconceptions that limit our expectations and teaching approaches. Through real-life examples and touching student stories, you'll gain practical insights into creating more inclusive and effective piano lessons.LinksInterested in learning more about the best approaches for teaching neurodivergent learners? Take advantage of the 50% sale on Adaptive Piano Pedagogy 101! Use code FLASH50 at checkout. Check out Dr. Scott Price's book, Autism and Piano StudyBlog posts on Autism Spectrum Disorder + piano teachingNeed some fidget toys for your neurodivergent students? Here are Elizabeth's favorites! {affiliate link}Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailIn this eye-opening conversation, host Elizabeth Davis-Everhart welcomes piano teacher Tara Mock, who brings 30 years of teaching experience alongside her perspective as a parent of neurodivergent children. Together, they challenge the common misconceptions of neurodiversity that limit both teachers and students in the music studio.From the myth that autistic students can't be social to assumptions about coordination challenges and behavioral issues, this conversation peels away layers of misunderstanding to reveal the unique gifts neurodivergent students bring to music education.Ready to see your students—all your students—in a new light? This episode is your invitation to teaching with greater understanding, flexibility, and joy.Links:--> Use code FLASH50 at checkout to get Elizabeth's Adaptive Piano Pedagogy 101 course for 50% this week. Click here to apply the discount at checkout!Resources from Tara on Neurodiversity:Learn more about TaraDr. Scott Price's book on Autism and Piano StudySupport the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the first episode in our groundbreaking new series about gifted and neurodivergent learners at the piano: Deconstructing Misconceptions of Gifted and Neurodivergent Learners! Have you ever caught yourself making a snap judgment about a student, only to later discover how wrong you were? This episode challenges the assumption that difference equals deficit, and encourages teachers to "Jump into the Chute" with their students. (More on jumping into the chute on this week's new blog post!) Throughout this series, we'll hear from experts who will help us reframe our understanding of neurodivergent students as the capable, intelligent, and deeply musical individuals they are. There's also a new "Tiny Teaching Tip" at the end of the episode, so don't miss out on that.-->Have you encountered misconceptions about teaching neurodivergent students? Send them my way in a message to Creative Piano Pedagogy on social media or via email to [email protected] so I can include them in an upcoming episode! Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailThe hardest truth about teaching neurodivergent students is the unpredictability. You never know which "version" of your student will arrive each week—focused and ready for challenges, anxious but willing, or struggling with concepts they mastered weeks ago. This variability isn't a failure of teaching or learning; it's simply the reality of neurodivergent brains.Contrary to misconception, adaptive teaching isn't the easy way out. It demands deeper pedagogical knowledge, thorough preparation, and keen observation skills. But its heart remains beautifully simple: know your student, know your pedagogy, and teach to the individual in front of you.Ready to connect with other teachers on this journey? Join our free, private Facebook community for creative piano teachers by clicking this link! We're a supportive space for questions, brainstorming, and sharing experiences about teaching neurodivergent learners.Want to be in on future Teacher Chats? Join the list here to get notified!Links from today's episode:My favorite musical coloring pagesCheck out the Bubble Timer BlogpostMy favorite Comfort Fidget Tools/ToysNote: The music puzzle mentioned in the episode is no longer available, but here is a similar set of velcro music puzzles Elizabeth often uses in lessons from Etsy*As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you purchase through the Amazon links, which helps support the podcast and ongoing projects and research.Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailEver had a student struggle with hand coordination and finger control despite their best efforts? You're not alone. This deep dive into the fascinating connection between neurodiversity and piano technique reveals why many students—particularly those with ADHD or autism—find fine motor skills (like piano technique) challenging.Whether you teach neurodivergent students or simply want to expand your teaching toolkit, these strategies will enrich your studio approach and help every student thrive at the piano.Links to teaching tools from this episode:Pop-it Fidget ToySquishy Stress BallsPlay-DohPlay-Doh MatFly-SwatsLap DrumAs an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. This helps support the podcast and research blog!Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailEmotional struggles in piano lessons can transform a beautiful learning experience into a source of stress for both students and teachers. How do we handle those moments when a student becomes overwhelmed or has a meltdown at the keyboard? Drawing from nearly 20 years of teaching experience, this episode unpacks practical, compassionate approaches to these challenging situations.Whether you're teaching neurotypical or neurodivergent students, these strategies build a foundation of trust and safety that allows genuine learning to flourish. After all, the greatest honor in teaching isn't just developing musical skills, but becoming that consistent, calming presence that students can depend on week after week.Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailAre you struggling to teach piano students who seem to bounce from one thought to another? Wondering how to keep young learners engaged or help your neurodivergent students thrive? This deep dive into teaching students with short attention spans might just transform your approach.Ready to transform your teaching approach? Discover how to time your lesson pacing perfectly around your student's natural attention patterns, creating productive learning experiences where both teacher and student leave feeling accomplished. Your students with short attention spans aren't incapable of focus—they just need you to understand how they focus differently!Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailStruggling to connect with students who have speech and language difficulties? You're not alone. In this illuminating episode of the Creative Piano Pedagogy Podcast, Dr. Elizabeth Davis Everhart launches a summer series, "So, I Have This Student..." dedicated to creative, out-of-the-box solutions for students who don't fit traditional teaching approaches.We dive deep into practical strategies for teaching music to students with speech and language challenges, exploring both sides of lesson communication. The podcast introduces differentiated instruction as a game-changer, and Dr. Everhart shares innovative ways to let students respond without speaking, from using the piano itself to communicate choices to implementing simple hand signals and written responses.At the heart of these strategies lies a profound respect for student dignity and a commitment to making music lessons about music—not extended conversation. By creating comfortable spaces where students can be themselves, teachers unlock genuine learning potential. Have questions about creative teaching strategies? Reach out through Instagram @creativepianopedagogy or email [email protected] to be featured in upcoming summer series episodes.Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailSummer brings a welcome change of pace for most piano teachers, but those of us teaching neurodivergent students face unique considerations that deserve thoughtful attention. While neurotypical students typically thrive with relaxed summer schedules, our students with disabilities often find comfort in routine and structure - making the summer transition more complex than simply switching to "fun mode."The podcast explores this delicate balance, acknowledging that the mental preparation for teaching students with special needs remains significant even during summer months. This episode shares creative approaches to summer teaching, including composer studies focusing on movie scores (John Williams is a particular favorite!), activities that build on students' strengths, and techniques for giving students agency through carefully structured choices. We also explore alternative recital formats that accommodate diverse learners, like this year's successful "My Favorite Things" themed event that combined in-person and virtual performances with relaxed outdoor activities.Click here to check out the fun and interactive games from Carnegie Hall Elizabeth shared about in this episode! (Animal or Instrument is a huge favorite!) Have a question about a particular teaching scenario for the new podcast series? Send it to [email protected] - your query might be featured in an upcoming episode! Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailPlaying piano is a much more physical activity than most people realize, requiring complex coordination that many of us take for granted. For neurodivergent learners, the physical aspects of piano playing often become unexpected obstacles. This episode dives deep into adaptive piano technique, exploring how teachers can modify their approaches for students whose bodies and minds process movement differently. The episode outlines six powerful principles for adapting technique for neurodivergent learners. Connect with the Creative Piano Pedagogy Podcast on social media to see upcoming demonstration videos that will visualize these techniques in action!Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailThe journey of teaching piano technique to students with disabilities presents unique challenges that require creativity, patience, and a willingness to adapt. Traditional approaches—filled with flowery language about rainbows and waterfalls—simply don't connect with neurodivergent students who think concretely and pragmatically.Teaching piano technique to students with disabilities requires adaptability, patience, and a willingness to break from traditional approaches while maintaining pedagogical integrity. Success comes through adapting our approach, not by lowering expectations! Learn more in this first episode on teaching technique.Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailWhat if the pace of your piano lessons could unlock the true potential of your students, especially those who are neurodivergent? Join us as we dig further into adapting our teaching approach by unveiling the often-overlooked art of lesson pacing. In this episode of the Creative Piano Pedagogy podcast, we draw parallels between the rhythm of a lesson and walking speeds, advocating for a teaching style that resonates with each student's unique learning rhythm. By tailoring the tempo of your lessons, you can help students with ADHD and other learning differences absorb information, build confidence, and feel less overwhelmed, turning their challenges into triumphs! This episode shines a light on the profound impact of pacing in educational success, encouraging educators to embrace flexibility and adaptability in their teaching practices to honor the diverse needs of every student.Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast! 

Send us Fan MailUnlock the secrets to becoming an adaptive piano teacher in our very first episode of the Creative Piano Pedagogy Podcast, hosted by me, Dr. Elizabeth Davis Everhart. Ever struggled to keep up with the ever-evolving needs of your students? Together, we explore the art of adaptation in teaching—an essential skill that transforms both educators and learners. Join our conversation as we delve into the Oxford Dictionary's definition of adapting and how it beautifully aligns with the dynamic world of piano teaching. Drawing from my own experiences with managing a home office and music storage, and inspired by Kendra Adachi's practical strategies from The Lazy Genius, we'll explore how embracing change isn't just necessary but can be incredibly rewarding.Support the showSubscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more. Love the show? Buy us a coffee and support the podcast.Let's stay in touch!On the website/blogFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramFollow on YouTubeYou can find all of our favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:[email protected] As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through our links. Thank you for helping support the podcast!