3 Things I'm Loving This Spring

1. Building Blocks

Rhythm can sometimes be quite tricky to teach. Some students pick up on basic rhythm patterns very quickly but for others it takes more time. I saw  on Pinterest the idea of using building blocks to teach rhythm and it caught my attention. I tried it with the Grandma of one of my students and it worked very well! Those blocks are definitely something I will keep on hand in my studio. 

Building Blocks = Rhythm Win

2. Drum Pad and Sticks

Who doesn’t like banging sticks together? I have been using my practice drum pad and some drum sticks quite a bit in lessons recently (sometimes we just tap the sticks together without the practice pad). They are a good alternative to clapping (aka “boring”). I have a couple of students who have no interest in counting rhythms correctly, but when I hand them the drum sticks, they suddenly can tap the rhythms correctly and do many more repetitions than I could normally have had them do. It’s certainly a win in my book!

Drum Pad & Sticks

.Circle of 5ths

I have several students who are trying really hard to learn all the key signatures and this adorable printable has been helping them learn. I found it at teachpianotoday.com. I printed them off on card stock and may laminate them. I used clothespins with little stickers on them to be able to match the key signature with the letters.

Circle of 5ths