Every student is motivated by something different, and figuring out what makes each one tick can transform how they engage with lessons. Today, I’m chatting with Dr. Christina Liu, Associate Professor of Music at Bethel College, about Bartle’s Taxonomy, a framework for player personality types she discovered through her love of gamification. We talk about the four types Bartle identified, how Christina uses them to quietly tailor her teaching, and the personal stories that shaped her own piano journey. She also shares how these ideas carry into training the next generation of piano teachers.
Dr. Christina Liu,, is Associate Professor of Music and Music Department Chair at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas. She teaches music theory and aural skills, history, piano, and pedagogy, and is an active presenter, adjudicator, and advocate for music education. A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, she currently serves as President of the Kansas State Music Teachers Association. A passionate educator, Dr. Liu is also active as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and chamber musician throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.
Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.
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