What mistakes do Piano Teachers commonly make? Part I
Hmm. What a harsh title. The only reason I can pen that title is because I was one of those piano teachers that made the below mentioned mistakes for many years.
Category Archives: Piano Teacher Tips
Why is Christmas Music so difficult to play?
Playing Christmas music is such a blessing for a child. Last November, I gave almost every one of my students a Christmas book to play from for the holiday season. Mrs. Curwen has taught me something, though. Christmas music is often hard for beginner pianists to play.
Why does Mrs. Curwen teach the C Clef? Is it necessary?
Mrs. Curwen wants children to read music. If they can read the notes on the staff, they can play the songs. If they can play songs, they’re going to continue playing. They’ll find satisfaction and joy in their progress. Much of this begins with reading the staff.
Mrs. Curwen wants the children to understand that the staff is continuous. We have the treble staff and the bass staff, but they are related to each other. We teach them together using the C Clef.
What does Mrs. Curwen mean when she says music is taught through the Ear and not the Eye?
“The sine qua non of reading music is a quick recognition of the written sounds in relation to the keyboard; an unhesitating obedience of the finger to the eye; an obedience so unhesitating and complete that the action of the two is almost simultaneous.” Mrs. Curwen.
We’ll review how Mrs. Curwen shows us how to accomplish this with our students.
What does ‘N.B.’ mean? Some Important Notes for Piano Teachers.
Throughout Mrs. Curwen’s book, you see “N.B.” in various places. This is Italian for Nota Bene. It means to take note. She is marking sometime as significant. She wants me, as a piano teacher, to stop for a moment and read carefully.
Here’s a growing list of notes I’m finding as I go.
How much should a Beginner Piano Student Practice?
If it is possible, Mrs. Curwen suggests a beginner student having a short lesson every day. If you are a parent capable of teaching your own child, this is what Mrs. Curwen recommends.
Mrs. Curwen also addresses the weekly piano lesson with a visiting teacher.
What does Mrs. Curwen have to say about Rote Playing?
Rote playing is simply playing by imitation and repetition. As a piano teacher, I’d sit by a student at the piano and play a simple tune. I would not use music in front of me. The child would listen and watch me play. After watching and listening, the child would repeat what I just played.
When Should my Child Start Piano Lessons?
This is such a common question I receive as a piano teacher.
What does Mrs. Curwen have to say about children taking piano lessons? How old should the child be when they start taking lessons?
What did I Change First?
So what did I learn first? What did I first put into practice? What did I immediately change?
As I read her book the first time, I pulled out what I considered some monumental changes in how I approached piano teaching.
Humility
“Do tell me who taught you to build your nest,” entreated the thistle, half expecting to give offence, yet wishing to ask the question. But no offence was taken, and the rook, after an instant of grave consideration, replied, “Why, you see, I understand it all, for I am what is called a genius.”