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National Guild of Piano Teachers — a Texas family dynasty run by the founder's son
NGPT has vestiges of organizational design from the 1930s which have little relevance to today's world of educational theory and practice. Membership in Richard Allison's club entitles one to the distinction of being enrolled in the "American College of Musicians," replete with certificate. The Guild is mired in antiquity, bureaucracy and over-structured formality. Though their tenets disclaim any such thing, in reality the basis of their so-called "auditions" is competition, the goal being awards, and the motivation--from what I've observed in Nashville--is self-promotion of the teacher's studio for prestige in the community. Judging is inconsistent and hastily administered, often by persons well beyond retirement age or of questionable credentials.
Anecdotally, I recently witnessed well-known Nashville piano teacher Enid Katahn (of the Blair School of Music) judging a guild audition. Before each group played, she prefaced the session by warning the children that the piano was "hard to play," referring to the action of the Baldwin grand. What a ridiculous thing to say to kids--as if they weren't nervous enough!
I do not wish to have one more parent complain to me that their child wasn't properly recognized when so-and-so got a superior mark, nor do I want one more student to gripe that they didn't get a...

You teach babies music?  What in the world can you teach a baby?These are very frequently asked questions of Early Childhood Music Teachers.  People think that a baby just lays there.  What can they do?  It is amazing what babies can do and when you add music to the mix it is even more amazing.  All Babies are born musical.  Their first sounds are music to their parents ears.  We imitate babies first sounds and they imitate us. Later they start talking.  When you sing and rock or bounce your...

I have been asked several times over my years of piano teaching experience to work with very young chidren (3, 4, or 5 years old) and I have developed a strategy that has proved to be both effective and fun for both the student and myself.     I have outlined here four vital areas essential to my success as a piano teacher for very young children. They are:

Initial Consultation     When parents of a very young child ask about their child taking piano lessons, I always ask, "Are you willing to take things slowly?" I tell every parent that I don't want to be the guy that kills their child's love of music in any way, so I will be taking things slowly and making sure they are having fun in the process.     This may involve a greater financial obligation on the part of the parent as the very young child will take longer to exhibit note-reading abilities, for example, than an older student would within the same number of lessons.     Most parents have already thought through the idea that, because of their child's tender age, the child will learn at a slower pace than if they were to wait to introduce them to formal lessons. However, it is important for me to address the issue, as it lays the groundwork for the style and substance of my teaching.
Style and...

If you’re looking for a solid intro to music for your child that's a little more rocking than the usual kid's fare, Sound Roots School of Modern Music has got your sub-6 year-old covered. Sound Roots will be offering two classes for kids under six this fall: The first is Rookie Rock which is for 0-4 year olds.  According to the course description, "If you love the idea of taking a music class with your young child, but are just a little more 'rock 'n roll' than 47 versions of Old MacDonald, then this is the...

It's truethat research shows music helps children become better learners, and that even a newborn emotionally responds to music. Parents respond, too: 99% of Kindermusik parents would recommend the classes to other parents*.
However, all the research in the world can’t accurately capture the look of pure delight in your child’s eyes when she experiences the sights and sounds of Kindermusik, both in the classroom and at home.
With 30 years experience in developing early learning curricula...

During my 50 plus year career as a professional music instructor in piano (private and group) and composition, I have received numerous music magazines (such as the MTNA " American Music Teacher") that features an abundance of excellent information. The contents usually relates to the business of music as well as featured articles to inspire the imagination and suggest new ideas to try when approaching the delightful challenges of teaching children of all levels through adults the "The Magic of Music."       
Among my favorite "Must Keep" files is an article by the noted concert pianist, Van Cliburn, who discussed a new research that revealed childhood  brain development that is aided by piano studies.  These reports gave parents and educators a new reason to make piano lessons a centerpiece of every child's development.
A research expert, Dr. Frances Rauscher at the University of California at Irvine was working with elementary children in Los Angeles.  One group  received private piano lessons and participated in group singing.  Another group of children did not receive musical training.  At the end of the year, the muscially trained children scored 80% on tests of...

I haven't found a better article combining the scientific (concise, thorough topics) with exact elements of music...

Every once in a while I get a flurry of phone calls asking about my music classes. I teach many instruments and have group classes of 3-6 year olds once a week. The classes are posted both here at Teachstreet and in various local publications and on my own website www.soundand.com.An average, for me, is about one inquiry a week so when I get more than that, or a lot more than that, I guess that there was an article/newscast about how music or 'the arts' will help your child academically.This is one of the worst reasons to sign your child up for music lessons, and a nightmare for a music teacher.I love music. I try to convey my love through playing...

As I look at the calendar, I see that we are close to April Fool's Day.  I need to tell you how I've used that holiday to create some  very happy piano recitals. Most years, when April 1 comes close to a weekend, it invites a Saturday April Fool's recital!  What makes that occasion so special is that, some years, April 1 is elusive; not anywhere near the end of the week.  Those years, my pupils and I skip it.  We compensate for it by inventing musical jokes at lessons ... for example, trying to fit a march into a waltz rhythm.  .Now, let me tell you all what gave me the idea!  Graduate music students at...

  Anne Peterson Says...      When I had some 8-year olds getting confused and bored by a barrage of new piano concepts --at school and at our lessons, I got inspired.  I credit two colleagues:  Jill Denny, at my music school (The Music School, Sunnyvale, CA) . and  Dr. Sondra Clark, in my Music Teachers' Association.       Jill gave me a great tip, which has many times proven true... when a student says he/she is 'bored", that means that we've come to an idea that's hard for them.  Calling creativity!     Creativity responds.  My friend from Music Teacher's Association, Dr. Sondra Clark, gave our...