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REGISTRATION IS ON for the 2018 Piano Camp for Piano Teachers “Power UP Practice”- Attend LIVE WEBINARS + Receive LIFETIME ACCESS Replays

SEE the UPDATE NOTICE at the end of the post! 

So thrilled to welcome you to the 2018 Piano Camp for Piano Teachers with a theme on an all-too-important topic for piano teachers – “Practice.” This year’s event “Power UP Practice!” will come to you via WEBINAR with VIDEO REPLAYS complete with LIFETIME ACCESS! This may be the first conference ever to focus solely on aspects of practicing and the related issues we teachers deal with each and every day.

Check out all the details here.

The 2018 Piano Camp for Piano Teachers will showcase 6 different clinicians who will deliver lectures on practice strategies, techniques, motivation, incentives, mindset, modes of communication, and much more!

You’ll have a chance to interact with these clinicians and other participants, ask questions, plus….there will be door prizes for LIVE attendees. Even if you can’t attend the LIVE webinars, you’ll receive access to the replays and we’ll have a digital goodie bag saved for you.

Attend the webinars LIVE on July 26 and 27, 2018 via your computer or mobile device AND/OR watch at your leisure later on your own time with no expiration!

Yes! I’ll RESERVE my SEAT NOW!


BUT WAIT! Did you miss last year’s Piano Camp for Piano Teachers with the amazing Marvin Blickenstaff?

You can sign up for the the NEW 2018 VIP Bundle! and receive instant online access to Marvin’s online camp today PLUS receive the “2018 Piano Camp for Piano Teachers – Power UP Practice!”  – both at the discounted rate!  View the bundle HERE (and it’s available on split payments!).

Register for just the 2018 camp here

Register for both the 2017 & 2018 camps here


UPDATE! The LIVE webinars have concluded and were just amazing.  Teachers LOVED the sessions and walked away with new tips, tools, and techniques to boost “practicing” with their students and parents!  To celebrate, we’ve extended the PRE-REGISTRATION to MIdnight Central, August 1!  Grab it before it goes away.  You won’t be disappointed! 

motionmailapp.com Committed to your success!

Elizabeth

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NEW video course! “A Simple Step-by-Step Start to Major Scales”

“A Simple Step-by-Step Start to Major Scales – All Without A Book” has officially launched over at the Piano Teacher Academy!  Be sure to grab the early-bird launch price before it expires tomorrow, WED, April 25, at midnight Central.  The early bird has EXPIRED, but there is a now an easy-payment plan option!

Go here to see all the details and enroll now: http://bit.ly/startscales

If you’ve been looking for a way to systematically introduce major scales to your students and avoid overwhelm and confusion for both you and your student(s), this course is for YOU.  In this video course I outline the approach I’ve honed and tailored over many years.  I find that it works quite well for ages 5 through adult and lends itself to the personal pace of any student. I’ve also used it many times in group situations.  It works for early-level students as well as transfers in need of remedial help and adults could easily use this video course as a self-guided program in learning scales for the first time or as a refresher.

NOTE:  If you purchased the ONLINE version of the 2017 Piano Camp for Piano Teachers with Marvin Blickenstaff, you already have this course in your bundle, so no need to purchase it! 

But…..I have added some bonus student videos + a week-by-week lesson assignment plan so be sure to check those out. 


In this video course you’ll be taken by the hand and guided through the entire process.

1. I inform you exactly what elementary students should know before introducing them to major scales.

2. I give you straight-forward, done-for-you PDFs to use right in the lesson.

3. Sample student videos are included so you can view activities in action.

4. You receive a week-by-week assignment plan to guide you every step of the way. No wondering what to do each week!

Everything is laid out in a simple, easy-to-follow order.

Just a clear, simple path to starting scales with your students, young and old, with LIFETIME access so you can refer to it anytime.

 

If you have ANY questions, leave a comment below or contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@pianoteacheracademy.com. Standing by to help!

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New Year, New Attitude!

Too all of you I wish much happiness and success in 2018 and thank you for your support in 2017!  May you each live out your creative dreams and cherish all the amazing musical experiences coming your way as a musician and teacher.  I’m overflowing with ideas for new projects and goals for this year and am so excited about the possibilities both here on the blog, Piano Camp for Piano Teachers, and at Piano Teacher Academy.  Thanks for joining me on the journey!

TO CELEBRATE 2018, we have Piano Camp for Piano Teachers T-shirts for you WITH FREE SHIPPING! (still going – only $19.97!)

#pianoteacherboss

This shirt will start the year right, won’t it? It’s been such a popular item, that we decided to make the shirts available online.  And for followers like you, each is only $19.97 with the shipping included. Receive your shirt in 4-5 business days and shipping is FREE for ANY QUANTITY that you order. So pick one up for you and a friend. Some sizes are limited so hurry!

CLICK HERE to ORDER 

This 2nd style has also been quite popular with students and piano enthusiasts in general

#itfeelsgoodtobeapianist

Here are the available colors in sizes XS-2XL

ORDER HERE

SIZES and DETAILS:

2 T-shirt styles in various colors are available for each as seen above. Adult sizes available: XS-2XL. Unisex sizing – retail fit.  They fit both women and men nicely. 100% combed and ringspun cotton. Very soft fabric and very little shrinkage.  Perfect for layering.

NOTE:  If you don’t see your size available in your preferred style/color, please email us at info@pianoteachercamp.com.  If we have enough requests, we’ll place a re-order.  The more requests we receive, the faster we’ll make that re-order so SHARE this post with friends!

👊 2018, let’s do this!

 

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UPDATE! Give to flood victims + invest in your education

There are no words to express the magnitude of the tragic loss and devastation in Houston/southeastern TX coastal areas due to the catastrophic flood, release of dam waters, and now a chemical plant explosion. A few members of my family plus numerous friends and teaching colleagues have been forced out of their homes and evacuated to shelters having lost everything or in some peril of losing their homes, belongings, livelihoods, etc.

In an effort to give more than just a personal donation and supplies, I want to try and contribute more substantially, especially to my TexasMTA colleagues who will need much help in rebuilding their lives, so…..

Tuesday, August 29 through Monday, Sept. 4 (midnight Central time), 10% of all net course sales at pianoteacheracademy.com will go to the MTNA Benevolence Fund. This fund is used to assist MTNA members affected by disasters.


This incredibly-gifted pedagogue, Marvin Blickenstaff, inspired many teachers this year with his 3 sessions offered as part of the online course: 2017 Piano Camp for Piano Teachers.

Marvin’s course bundle was originally scheduled to end on August 31, but has been extended thru Sept. 4. The investment for the Camp’s 4 sessions (w/ one additional session given by me, Elizabeth Gutierrez) is only $127. Divided payments are available and you receive LIFETIME access to the online videos and handouts.

CLICK HERE to view all the details for the 2017 Piano Camp for Piano Teachers


In addition to the above, you can take advantage of the VIP BUNDLE:

You receive the 2017 Camp course above + Sorting Out the Piano Classics: What to Teach and When. The latter is a comprehensive course with 7+ hours of step-by-step video instruction, plus downloadable handouts. It includes 3 LIVE webinar sessions yearly where I answer your most pressing questions about teaching the classics. You receive LIFETIME access to this course, plus access to each year of webinars! Divided payments are also available.

CLICK HERE to view all the details for the VIP BUNDLE.


Please share with friends….

If you know of other teachers who might benefit from the courses at the Piano Teacher Academy, please share this post via email or spread the word with the social sharing icons at top left.

For those who enroll, I cannot thank you enough and if online courses are not on your radar right now and you feel moved to help, please donate to the MTNA Benevolence Fund, the Houston Food Bank, the Texas Diaper Bank, or to the Red Cross (all of these are trusted direct links).

Much appreciated! Keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers!

Elizabeth Gutierrez

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REGISTER NOW for the 2017 Piano Camp for Piano Teachers with Marvin Blickenstaff – Attend LIVE or ONLINE!

So excited to announce our guest clinician for this year’s Piano Camp for Piano Teachers, the highly sought-after and beloved Marvin Blickenstaff!  For years Marvin has been providing teachers worldwide with insightfully creative, thoughtful teaching techniques that just work and he’s the one they flock to for workshops, lectures, and master classes.

Now you can see Marvin in-person at the 2017 Piano Camp for Piano Teachers in the lovely San Antonio, TX or at your leisure via your computer or mobile device!

JOIN US on Friday, June  30, 2017 at RBC Pepper South Texas in San Antonio (formerly RBC Music Company) if you would like to see Marvin in action, ask him questions, and share a lovely lunch with him. OR…..Join him via your computer or mobile device beginning on/around July 10 and watch the videotaped lectures from that day.  All participants, both LIVE and online, will have access to the recorded version of the workshop (4 sessions) thru December 31, 2017.

Click HERE to view all the details plus the workshop topics. You may register for either the LIVE workshop on June 30 or the online version.

******IN-PERSON participants:  Seats are still available as of June 25.  If the registration link is open, you may still register.  All of you will have a chance for Q&A with Marvin, you’ll receive lunch on site, plus door prizes and the videos as well!

Yes! I’ll RESERVE my SEAT NOW!

Look forward to seeing you in person on June 30 or ONLINE!

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JAN-FEB 2017 READ-ALONG: Josef Lhevinne’s “Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing”

fb-read-alongHello Blog Readers!

Wow!  It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post, but things sure have been busy on the live streaming end of things.  You could say that most of my “blogging” now has been in-person and LIVE.  There’s much more emotion and tone you just can’t put into writing.  I’ve truly enjoyed connecting with you in this way.

A new year is great time for goal-setting, new inspiration and a “re-start.”  What better way than with a project to get your wheels spinning in new directions for 2017.  Instead of our usual Play-Along, the gang over at the FB Play-Along group has voted on a Read-Along, the first ever in the blogisphere I think.  If you’re reading this after Jan. 10, 2017, no worries!  Jump in at any time during our schedule since the book is not sequential and you can always catch up later by watching the previous replays.  I’ll post the replays here on the blog about every 2 weeks.

FROM JANUARY 10  thru FEBRUARY 14 (approximately), we’ll all be reading “Basic Principles of Pianoforte Playing” by Josef Lhevinne.  Click HERE for all the info you need to get started.  There’s no official sign-up, but purchase a copy of the book soon if you don’t have one.

Basic Principles in Pianoforte PlayingYou can grab a copy HERE on Amazon if you like.  If your book arrives after we begin, no worries. You can still watch the 1st LIVE broadcast on Chapter 1 on Tuesday, January 10 (or the replay) and catch up on the chapter afterwards.

WATCH THIS video introduction of the Read-Along for all the specifics.

OR

Click HERE to read all the info you need to get started.


Read More

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Welcome to the GET IN SHAPE Piano Play-Along!

First, thank you all for submitting your votes for a summer Play-Along topic.  The majority of folks voted on getting their fingers in shape for now, but not to worry… we’ll cover the other Play Along topics later this summer.   

FROM JUNE 1 through JUNE 15, we’ll be practicing Stephen Heller’s “L’Avalanche.”  Click HERE for all the info you need to get started and learn about the purpose of this particular Play-Along. Read More

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REGISTER NOW! With Early Bird Bonuses, too!

Register Blog GraphicJOIN US!  – Susan Paradis and Elizabeth Gutierrez on Saturday, June  27, 2015 at RBC Music Company in lovely San Antonio, TX!

  • CLICK HERE for complete info, including 2 EARLY BIRD BONUSES and ONLINE REGISTRATION via credit card or Paypal.
  • DOWNLOAD a print version of the brochure HERE if you prefer to mail-in your registration.
  • Hotel info is listed under LODGING in the menu bar above.
  • NEED MORE INFO? – contact Jim at info@pianoteachercamp.com

RIGHT-CLICK and COPY the 2 buttons below (or drag to desktop if on a Mac) to share these on social media, your studio newsletter to parents, your email signature, etc.  We appreciate your spreading the word!

Large2015PCPTGoingButtonLarge2015PCPTButton

 

 

 

Buttons provided by the talented Susan Paradis!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And… give us some love on Instagram!  Go to @pianoprof on IG and LIKE our camp post.  We’ll certainly FOLLOW you!

Hope to see ya there!

Elizabeth and Susan

 

 

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Indispensables of Piano Teaching #6 – Good Lighting

This indispensable seems like a no-brainer, but how many of us really give our studio lighting proper attention?
Untitled
#5 – GOOD LIGHTING

I used to think that a “proper” piano lamp should be one of these:

pianolampWhile it does look lovely on a grand piano and illuminates the music rack quite well, I later discovered just how hot these little babies get when I accidentally burned my hand on one.  Ouch!  I learned fast not to reach up and adjust it while it was on (!).
As I started adding more young students to my studio, I began to worry about their little hands reaching up to adjust it and forgetting about my warning to them about the lamp’s heat, so….. I now use this one instead:
Screen Shot 2015-03-04 at 9.42.43 PM

OttLite Battery Task Lamp

I originally purchased this compact Ottlite for my needlework (it’s intended for craft work), but it’s been wonderful sitting on the left side of my music rack shining clean “daylight” on sheet music.  I can see all the fine print with ease with hardly any glare and almost no heat.   And who needs more heat while teaching during a Texas summer?

I also like that this little lamp is energy-efficient and I just fold it down to turn it off like this:

Screen Shot 2015-03-04 at 9.43.10 PMMine can run on a rechargeable battery so I can move it around to wherever I need it, but not all styles have that feature.    It weighs only 4 lbs with a very stable base and so far it hasn’t fallen over.  There are some that weigh less, and besides black or white, Ottlite offers them in some cool nifty colors.  I purchased a floor lamp style (for almost 1/2 price!) which I now use for my needlework and sewing.  Love it!

BEST PRICE:  23.68 to 49.99 for a desktop version at Amazon HERE, depending on the particular features you desire.  Joann Fabric and Craft stores has them on sale this week HERE and in their stores. The store will always honor the online price. If you miss the sale, check for weekly coupons at their site.  They come in handy! 

So do you have a particular lamp you really favor for your studio or studio piano?  Please share if so.  Remember….be kind to your eyes! And that of your students as well!

 

 

 

 

 

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Indispensables of Piano Teaching #4 – Interlocking Plastic Keyboard

Interlocking Plastic Keyboard
Here’s an oldie, but a goldie tool for studio teaching, especially if you teach in groups once in a while.  I recall using these in group theory classes when I was child.  How’s that for dating this item? and myself….

#4 – PLASTIC INTERLOCKING KEYBOARD

I didn’t really think I’d have a need for these in my private piano studio since I have 2 pianos in the studio, several flat laminated keyboards, a floor keyboard, and even a fabric keyboard, but this plastic dimensional keyboard has really come in handy.

This interlocking keyboard features full-sized white and raised black keys. Each two-octave keyboard can be interlocked to make a longer keyboard.

Here’s a close-up of how two interlock: Interlocking keyboards copy

I occasionally take this little keyboard with me to piano teacher workshops especially when I know there won’t be a projected view of the piano keyboard on an overhead screen. I just hold this up in the air for all in the audience to see as I demo a maneuver with my opposite hand.  Of course it goes without saying that these are great for any sort of group teaching you might do when there’s just not enough keyboards to go around.  They are light and sturdy, and they store easily too.

Here’s a few photos of how I’ve used them:

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I.D. of black-key groups

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I.D. of Half and Whole Steps using Susan Paradis’ clever Robosteps

IMG_0909

Excellent silent-practice keyboard while at the dining room table waiting for your lesson!

The possibilities are endless….

BEST PRICE:  $9.95 at Valentine’s House of Music in Houston, TX.   Amazon or other online retailers in my Google search couldn’t beat Rick Valentine’s price. I don’t see it listed on Valentine’s website at this writing, but you can call (713) 868-7447 to order.  He says he has plenty available. Rick is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about educational piano music and keeps his shipping affordable for piano teachers (free shipping on all orders over $50).  Certainly try your local sheet music retailer first.  They may be able to order them for you.

If you’ve used these keyboards in your teaching, please comment and share your ideas!

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