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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

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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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2015 MusicEdConnect Giveaways Announced!

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I was honored to present for the 2nd MusicEdConnect Webinar last week.  The feedback was amazing and thank you to those of you who were able to attend my session “The Trouble with Transfers: Tips for Transitioning without Tears or Fears.”  This topic is a loaded one and a one-hour session just doesn’t begin to cover all the different problems we encounter with transfers, SO……keep an eye on the blog.  I have plans to continue the discussion about transfer students right here in some form.

If you missed the Webinar, it’s not too late to access a replay of all 15 sessions by 15 different presenters. Register HERE and you’ll have immediate access to all the videos now thru Dec. 31, 2015.  Tell your friends!   Giveaway-WinnersNOW …. for those MusicEdConnect participants who listened last week to my “Transfers” session and my hopped over to the blog here with a reply (or on my Instagram) ….  DRUM ROLL please…..

1.  Winner of The Independent Piano Teacher’s Studio Handbook by Beth Gigante Klingenstein is:  Heather B.!

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2.  Winner of an assortment of Piano Adventures books I use often with transfer students:   Dorla A.!

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Heather and Dorla ~ Congratulations to you both.  I will be contacting you for your mailing addresses, but if you see this first, please email it to me at elizabeth@pianoteachercamp.com.

Thanks to both Hal Leonard and Faber Piano Adventures for their giveaway contributions!

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MusicEdConnect.com starts tomorrow!

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MusicEdConnect.com starts tomorrow, WED., Feb. 4! Join the live sessions February 4-7, 2015 for $129 or purchase only the replay pass for $99 to access sessions on-demand at a later time.  You won’t want to miss the 15 fabulous presenters including:  Scott McBride Smith, Jennifer Foxx, Fred Karpoff, Leila Viss, and others, who will share inspiring ideas and techniques. If you attend LIVE, you can interact with the presenters and other attendees.

I am honored to be presenting among these talented people.  My session, “The Trouble with Transfers: Tips for Transitioning without Tears or Fears” will be tomorrow, WED. Feb. 4, at 1:00 Central Time.

There’s even a virtual exhibit hall!  Your conference book will contain additional freebies, codes and coupons from these exhibitors.  Click HERE and scroll down for the Exhibit Hall Preview.

REGISTER HERE!

Hope to see you there!

 

 

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Don’t Miss It! MusicEdConnect.com

MEC GraphicFEBRUARY 4 – 7, 2015

For the second year, 15 nationally-known presenters are all coming together, in a powerful LIVE online event, focused on one thing – getting you inspired and motivated for teaching in 2015!

The MusicEdConnect ONLINE national conference is hosted by Michelle Sisler and her team from Keys to the Imagination and she has gathered a top-tier list of experts that include Scott McBride Smith,  Leila Viss,  Jennifer Fox, Fred Karpoff and more!

How Do You Participate?  Register HERE and then VIEW LIVE on Feb. 4-7 from the comfort of your own computer or mobile device.  If you can’t make it, you get to view later on your own time (thru Dec. 31, 2015)

Any Other Benefits?  No travel expenses!  Network with other teachers around the world.  Visit exhibits. See new products. Take advantage of conference-only specials.

Cost?  Less than $130, depending on which option you choose.

COUPON CODE!  PCPT blog followers receive a $10 discount on registration NOW thru Friday, Jan. 23 at midnight! Just use coupon code: “EG1” at registration.

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SAVE $20 BY DOING THIS…..BEFORE MIDNIGHT on TUESDAY, Jan. 20!  Head over to INSTAGRAM on your mobile phone or tablet and FOLLOW me, Elizabeth Gutierrez.  Enter “@pianoprof” in the search box and you’ll find me.  Click on “Follow” and then click on the photo of the MusicEdConnect event to view your $20 discount code!  Give me a shout-out (comment) when you get there, OK?

NEW TO INSTAGRAM ? This LINK will tell you more about IG and what makes it so interesting as a social media tool.  You can download the app for FREE at the App Store.

SEE YOU at MusicEdConnect.com!

 

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