Terwillegar Piano Lessons
Terwillegar T6R 3N8 Edmonton, AB, Canada

Since I switched to teaching piano lessons using video call last month, I have had six students progress to the next level in their piano lesson books! I am so proud of all of my students' progress! Last week, I also got to teach a piano lesson to my neice and nephew, who live in a different city, using video call.

Some of my favourite things about teaching video call piano lessons are: 1. It is easier for me to help students with their seating position at home when I get to see how they are sitting at home. 2. I can give students advice for playing their piano or keyboard when I can see and hear them playing their piano or keyboard. ... 3. I can help students who are having trouble finding middle C, mark middle C on their piano or keyboard at home. 4. I get to say "hi" to students' family members who I don't normally get to see, and I get to see their pets. 5. When playing duets, my students get an entire piano or keyboard to themselves. No more moving up or down an octave, or bumping hands. 6. Students can be comfortable in their own homes and wear anything from slippers to princess costumes. 7. For some reason, my students' smiling faces stand out even more to me now. Maybe it is because their smiles fill my screen when I am teaching them. All of my students did great with this change, and parents have been a tremendous help! I appreciate all of you SO MUCH!!

I just completed one week of teaching all of my students via video call apps. I am SO proud of all of my students for handling this transition so well! It brings me to so much joy to see your beautiful, smiling faces, even if they are on a screen. The highlight was one of my young students wearing her Elsa dress for her piano lesson. You are all princes/princesses and superheroes!

Earlier today, one of my students asked me who invented the piano and when. I thought they were excellent questions, and both are answered in this essay.

This was posted to youtube in 2014, but I still think it's cute!

To all of the families who have a traditional, acoustic (non-electric) style piano, I am so happy that you were able to find a piano that works for your family, and to find a space in your home for it. I would like to remind you that most piano tuners recommend having acoustic pianos tuned once per year. Even if a piano is not being played, it can still lose its tune due to changes in temperature and humidity. Having your piano tuned annually keeps it in good repair, and helps to prevent other major problems, which can become quite costly. Remember to protect your investment, and to ensure that the pianists in your home have a properly functioning instrument to play.

Are you wanting to learn a new skill this year? Playing the piano is fun, and is a good starting point for learning other instruments. I am a friendly, home-based piano teacher with over 16 years of experience, located close to Esther Starkman School. I teach young children, adult beginners, and everyone in between. Please message me if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a meet and greet. I hope your 2020 is filled with lots of exciting adventures!

This is good advice for improving focus, and it can be applied to practicing the piano.

This can also be applied to practicing the piano.

F-A-C-E the SPACE notes. Remember, Bass Clef is lower.

Some of my favourite music apps are note rush, note flash, and perfect ear. My favourite metronome app is metronome beats. What are your favourite music apps?

The complexities of tuning a piano:

I still have some available time slots, if you are looking for piano lessons for yourself or your kiddos.

To all of my students taking Conservatory exams this month, I want to wish you the best of luck! I am so proud of all of your hard work!

I am currently accepting registrations for Summer and September piano lessons.

I am SO proud of all of my students who performed at the recital last night! All of you practiced very hard and played beautifully!!

My most recent addition to my teaching space:

A student's seating position at the piano is very important. Correct seating position and posture, when practicing at home, helps prevent unnecessary muscle strain. As you can see in the photo, the student's back is straight. Shoulders are relaxed, and the bottom of the elbow is level with the top of the white keys on the piano. Elbows are toward the front of the student's torso, and there is ample space between the student and the piano. The student is sitting toward the fro...nt part of the piano bench. Lastly, feet are flat on the floor, directly below the knees. It is important that parents of young students check their child's seating position and posture at home. Teenage and adult students may want to have someone take a photo of them sitting at their piano at home. That way, they can make necessary changes to their seating position or posture.

Learning to play a musical instrument is good for children and adults.

I have a few open time slots, if anyone out there is wanting to learn a new skill this year.