12 bar blues
blog posts

Teach music confidently without the stress

How to Write Your First Piano Chord Progression: Breaking Down the Basics

by Doug Beney

Today we have a guest post which will help your students understand how to create, compose and understand a piano chord progression.  We have experienced blogger, musician and writer Doug Beney joining us. Welcome Doug!  Doug runs a blog called MIDI Lifestyle, all about technology and software in music. You can check it out here.  ... How to Write Your First Piano Chord Progression: Breaking Down the Basics

05/15/2017 Read more

How I Got off the Piano Exam Express

by Sean Wales

This month has been all about Exploring Exams and Recitals and one phrase has popped up a few times: exam express. I’m Sean and you may have seen a few articles written by me recently featured on Tim’s blog. I learnt piano with Tim at high school for four years and during this time, Tim transformed ... How I Got off the Piano Exam Express

04/17/2017 Read more

Fun First Piano Lesson: 12 Bar Blues [videos and lesson plans]

by Tim Topham

The first piano lesson of the year is a great time to do something different with your students. And I don’t mean just choosing a new piece of music. I mean scrapping the music altogether and getting off the page. It’s easier to do than you might think and kids love it. Want to know ... Fun First Piano Lesson: 12 Bar Blues [videos and lesson plans]

01/24/2017 Read more

TTTV046: Teaching Creatively with Elena Cobb

by Tim Topham

Elena Cobb didn’t start out teaching creatively. When she began teaching in U.K. she came across lots of students who wanted to “play for fun”. This was a bit of a foreign concept to Elena, having grown up with very serious classical music studies. She went on a hunt for fun repertoire for her students, and ... TTTV046: Teaching Creatively with Elena Cobb

06/18/2016 Read more

Teaching 12 Bar Blues to inspire beginners (especially boys!)

by Tim Topham

Want a quick-win in your next lesson? One of the best ways I’ve found to get kids really motivated to play piano is by working on a 12 bar blues. There is heaps you can do with this simple framework, and it works for students of all levels – whether they are beginners or have been ... Teaching 12 Bar Blues to inspire beginners (especially boys!)

04/20/2012 Read more