010 - Hosting a Virtual Studio Class: 7 Tips for Success
This year, I had planned to teach five studio classes specifically for 3rd-6th graders, two studio classes for 7th-12th graders, and monthly buddy lessons for my K-2nd grade students. But what to do when the world shuts down and everything moves online? Host a Zoom studio class, of course. Here is a collection of virtual games, teaching strategies, and best practices for online learning.
009 - Six Things I've Learned About Teaching Online (So Far)
What a crazy few weeks in the world, right? Who would have thought that we’d be facing widespread school closures and the sudden need to move everything online in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic? This is my third week of teaching solely online, so I thought I’d share the top six things I’ve learned (so far) about teaching online.
008 - 10 Creative Ways to Use Rhythm Pattern Cards in Your Teaching
Rhythm pattern cards are a great way to teach new rhythmic concepts, reinforce familiar patterns, and build that all-important musical vocabulary (the ability to understand and create your own musical patterns and sequences). Here are 10 creative ways to use them in your teaching.
007 - Let's Start at the Very Beginning (What I Learned from My Piano Teacher)
Today, I want to tell you a story about one of my piano teachers. She wasn’t my first teacher—in fact, she was one of my last teachers—but she was the woman who taught me how to overcome my fears, play with power and control, develop my own interpretation, and understand music and artistry at the piano in a whole new way. And in some ways, that meant starting at the very beginning...
006 - Four Things I'm Doing Differently in My Studio This Year
No matter how many years I teach, I always feel the same excitement around a fresh start and trying new things. I’m trying a few new things in my studio this year and today, I want to share them with you.
005 - Escape the Monotony and Reinvigorate Your Teaching with These Quick Tips
Feel like your rehearsals have gotten a bit monotonous lately? Here are a few reasons why this may be happening, plus some helpful strategies for getting out of that rut and back to making music with creativity and enthusiasm.
004 - 3 Ways to Inspire and Motivate Those You Teach
Think about some of the great teachers you’ve observed or worked with throughout your life. What made them great? What separates them in your mind from other teachers you’ve had? One thing that I’ve noticed is that exceptional teachers have an innate ability to inspire and motivate those they teach. Here are three ways to do this in your teaching this year:
002 - How to Continue Developing Your Teaching Skills This Year
The world is constantly changing and evolving and we need to be constantly changing, adapting, learning, and evolving along with it to be the best teachers we can be. What do you want to learn this year? How will you change, adapt, learn, and evolve as a teacher this year?
001 - What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Become This Year?
As musicians, teachers, leaders, and creators, we’re never done learning (and that’s a good thing!). We’re constantly seeking out new ways to do things, new strategies to try, new skills to develop. I think it’s because we know deep down that there’s always room to grow. Today, we're talking about goal-setting for teachers + three questions to help you find clarity and direction this year.
I'm Ashley—musician, educator, writer, and entrepreneur. Here, I share creative ideas and practical resources to help you in your teaching and creative work. Learn more...
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