If you’ve ever questioned your ability to guide advanced students or perhaps felt lacking in confidence as your students have moved into late intermediate and early advanced repertoire, then this episode is for you. Many teachers toil for years, nurturing their students’ skills only to pass them off when they reach an advanced stage, sacrificing both the connection and the fruits of their earlier labor. Join us today as we dive into the potential of taking on advanced students and continuing the journey. In today’s show, our guest, Janna Williamson, joins us to discuss essential skills necessary for piano students before tackling early advanced repertoire and so much more. Tune in for insights and valuable teaching strategies that can transform your approach to advanced students. Plus get a sneak peak to Janna’s new course for teaching early advanced students within TopMusicPro membership.

• Janna’s definition of advanced music.
• She recommends that students should gain experience with rhythm, pitch and technique before venturing into advanced music.
• Essential skills necessary for piano students prior to encountering early advanced repertoire.
• Her recommendation on playing and experiencing certain pieces before moving to advanced repertoire.
• The importance of teaching stylistic interpretation and preparing students for performance.
• She emphasizes the difference between practicing and practicing for performance.
• The importance of editions, recommending Urtext editions for advanced students.
• Investing in quality sheet music for students who are passionate about the piano and will continue playing.
• Sneak peak to Janna’s new course for teaching early advanced students within TopMusicPro membership.
• The importance of teaching students how to practice effectively.
• Tim and Janna discusses and bust some myths.
• The benefit of teachers experiencing competitions, auditions, or exams themselves, or sending students for outside lessons.

Links Mentioned

• IMT Episode 354: Can You Teach Advanced Students? Suzanne Andrews Shares Her Story
• AMusA and Diploma General Knowledge Study Guide

Today’s Guest

Janna Williamson is a highly sought-after teacher of students of all levels with two decades of professional teaching experience. She maintains a home studio in West Chicago and taught at the Wheaton Yamaha Music School from 2001-2020. She has been an MTNA Nationally Certified Teacher of Music since 2004 and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance. Janna enjoys performing solo or collaboratively and can be heard throughout the Chicago area on a regular basis.

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