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Deliberate Practice

by Tim Topham

My summer holiday reading this year centered on a book called Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin (highly recommended).

05/24/2011 Read more

Deliberate Play v. Deliberate Practice

by Tim Topham

Deliberate Practice I’ve talked at length in previous posts about the importance of “Deliberate Practice”, a phrase made popular in Geoff Colvin’s brilliant book, “Talent is Overrated”, in making your limited practice time more effective. But can you actually do too much practice?

11/13/2011 Read more

5 Ways To Help Your Students Feel Performance Ready

by Georgina Wilson

Performances can be scary. Can you remember how you felt as a music student walking onto a stage for the first time? Do you remember your hands shaking as you played your first note? As teachers we can help our students feel less nervous about performing, and boost their confidence, whether they're playing in a recital, a competition, or an exam.

03/06/2023 Read more

Piano Practice Guides for Motivating Students [Free Resources]

by Roberta Wolff

Have you ever wondered how a student’s practice diary or assignment book can best support their development as a musician or if there’s even any point in writing things down each week? Have you ever wondered if there are better ways that you can guide your students to practise effectively during the week?

02/23/2016 Read more

1000 Hours to Competence « Music Teacher’s Helper Blog

by Tim Topham

Should 10,000 hours really be the benchmark? You’ve no doubt heard rule of thumb that it takes approximately 10,000 hours of practice to become a master of something. The statement originated in Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Outliers” and, even if you haven’t read it, you’ve no doubt heard the statistic.

12/22/2014 Read more

Voyeuristic Practice?! How watching other performers can make you a better player.

by Tim Topham

I was watching a TV program last week called “Test your brain“, a series developed by National Geographic Channel which explores how the mind works.

09/19/2012 Read more
 

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Preparing For an AMusA Performance Diploma Exam – Why Bother?!

by Tim Topham

I recently sat and passed my Associate Diploma of Performance (called the “AMusA” piano exam in Australia) with Distinction. Needless to say, I was ecstatic!

02/09/2012 Read more

The hardest thing about practice is…not playing on!

by Tim Topham

One of the hardest things about effective, deliberate practice is knowing when to stop!

08/06/2011 Read more

Piano Teacher Goals for the New Year

by Georgina Wilson

Piano teacher goals tend to take a backseat behind student goals. Take this blog as a reminder to think about your year ahead and what you want to achieve!

01/02/2024 Read more

5 Must-Have Books For Guitar Teachers in 2023

by Michael Gumley

Even as teachers, we're still learning. From discovering new teaching methods, ways of practicing, or business skills, reading books can help you improve as a guitar teacher and a business owner.

04/27/2023 Read more

Is Your Teaching Limiting Your Studio Growth?

by Dave Simon

Learn the 3 mindsets of studio owners and find which type you are!

01/10/2021 Read more

Improve Your Piano Teaching through Self-Assessment

by Leah Coutts

Self-assessment to Improve your Piano Teaching It’s that time of year when many of us have just received our students’ exam results and sent out progress reports to parents. Tracking student progress is definitely an important activity, but what about our progress as teachers?

12/18/2013 Read more

How to get addicted to practising piano

by Tim Topham

If you want to be really, really good at something, you have to be addicted to it. You need to be in a state where you are thinking about it all the time, even when you’re not doing it. You talk about it, you have friends that do it, you dream about it.

08/27/2011 Read more

If your practice sounds good, it’s not practice, it’s just playing!

by Tim Topham

Last night at my student’s mid-year recital I reminded all my students and their parents that practice, if effective and done properly, should not sound “nice” all that often. Why? One simple reason.

06/24/2011 Read more

047: A Review of Preschool Piano Methods with Abigail Proffitt

by Tim Topham

In this episode, Abigail Proffitt and I will dive deep into various preschool piano methods, with practical tips and advice for young piano students.

12/13/2024 Read more

395: Meet TopMusicSheets Composer Nicole DiPaolo

by Tim Topham

In this episode, we're chatting with TopMusicSheets composer, Nicole DiPaolo, a dynamic musician praised for her powerful interpretations and sensitive performances.

12/09/2024 Read more

046: Music Moves with Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo

by Tim Topham

Music has the power to shape young minds and create lifelong connections. In this engaging episode, we’re chatting with Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo to dive into the transformative world of audiation and early childhood piano education.

12/06/2024 Read more

394: Meet TopMusicSheets Composer Matt Walker

by Tim Topham

In today’s episode, we dive into the creative world of Matt Walker, our TopMusicSheets composer for November 2024. Matt’s diverse background as a writer, composer, pianist, and piano tutor brings a unique perspective to his compositions.

12/02/2024 Read more

045: Preschool Piano for Better Business with Amy Elmore

by Tim Topham

In this episode, Amy Elmore shares the inspiring journey behind starting preschool piano classes and how they significantly impacted her studio's growth.

11/29/2024 Read more

044: Early Child Brain Development with Dr. Jane Bader

by Tim Topham

In this episode, our guest Dr. Jane Bader, shares about the transformative power of music in early child brain development.

11/22/2024 Read more

393: Mark Gibson Talks “Whole Pattern Learning” with Encore Music

by Tim Topham

In this show, we’re having a chat with Mark Gibson of Encore Music Education about his innovative teaching approach known as "Whole Pattern Learning."

11/25/2024 Read more

043: Making Practice Fun with Leslie Thackeray

by Tim Topham

In this episode, we're having a chat with Leslie Thackeray who shares practical tips for making practice fun and enjoyable.

11/15/2024 Read more

042: The Playful Piano with Jenny Boster

by Tim Topham

Jenny Boster, owner of The Playful Piano, shares how she creates innovative resources and comprehensive technique programs for young pianists.

11/08/2024 Read more

392: Unpacking the New ABRSM 2025 Syllabus with Samantha Carrasco

by Tim Topham

Today, we're unpacking the new ABRSM 2025 syllabus, including updates to the piano syllabus, with our guest Samantha Carrasco.

11/18/2024 Read more

041: The Legacy of Susan Paradis with Liz Boyd

by Tim Topham

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Liz Boyd, who now runs Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources.

11/01/2024 Read more