🎧 Quick Tip: Beaky Rhythms – A Game-Changer for Rhythm Practice

Hey there, lovely teachers! In this Pivot Practice quick tip, Nicola shares one of her absolute favorite rhythm tools: Beaky Rhythms 🐥—a fun, simple step that can seriously transform how your students internalize rhythm.

Discover how this playful approach (using second fingers and repeated notes) bridges the gap between clapping and playing—and why it might be the missing link for your rhythm-struggling students. Plus, get ideas for rhythm-first routines that show students what really matters.

Perfect for piano teachers looking to level up rhythm work—without overcomplicating it!

Hey lovely teachers! Nicola here, and today on Vivid Practice, we’re diving into the often-overlooked power of audio tracks in music practice. We all know listening is key to great musicianship—but let’s be honest, getting students (and parents) to actually do it is another story. 😅

In this episode, we’ll explore why listening matters, how the CD era is holding us back, and smart, simple ways to make audio a natural part of students' routine—from apps to car rides. Plus, I’ll share some mindset shifts for teachers who worry about ear learning vs. sight-reading.

Let’s get those listening tracks working for you and your students! 🎶

In this episode of Vivid Practice, Nicola Canton shines a spotlight on Bell Game—a simple yet powerful ear training app that helps students develop pitch recognition and aural memory step by step. With gradual difficulty levels and engaging gameplay, it's a fantastic tool for music teachers looking to make ear training fun and effective. Tune in to learn how to use it in lessons and at home! 🎶📱

📍 Vivid Practice: The Power of New Parent Interviews 🎶

In this episode of Vivid Practice, Nicola Canton shares why new parent interviews are a game-changer for studio success. These quick but essential meetings help set expectations, establish practice routines, and ensure a great parent-teacher fit. Tune in to learn how a simple conversation can prevent future frustrations and create a smoother learning journey for your students! 🎹✨

📍 Vivid Practice: Using Video to Enhance Student Learning 🎹✨

Hey, lovely teachers! In this episode of Vivid Practice, Nicola Canton dives into the power of video in music lessons. From "Top Tips" videos to performance comparisons and video lesson alternatives, discover creative ways to support student practice. Whether you're reinforcing concepts, building independence, or offering flexible lesson solutions, video can be a game-changer. Tune in for fresh ideas to level up your teaching! 🎶📹

🎙 Mastering Practice with Gaspar 🎶

In this episode, we sit down with Gaspar, a passionate piano teacher based in Brisbane, Australia. Gaspar shares his journey from a young, reluctant practicer to a dedicated musician, offering insights into his own practice habits growing up and how they’ve shaped his teaching approach today. From the power of marking phrases in sheet music to using video recordings for student progress, Gaspar reveals his top strategies for effective practice. Tune in for practical tips and inspiring stories from his musical journey!

📍 App Spotlight: SuperMetronome Groovebox

Hey beautiful teachers! 🎶 Today on Vivid Practice, we’re diving into SuperMetronome Groovebox—a fun and customizable drumming app that goes beyond a traditional metronome. 🥁 Perfect for pop songs, improvisation, duets, and rhythm drills, it helps students feel the beat instinctively. I’ll share how I use it in lessons, why it’s a game-changer for timing and ensemble playing, and how you can explore it too! Let’s get grooving!

#MusicTeaching #PianoLessons #PracticeTips

📍 Bat Bars: A Fun Memory Trick for Piano Practice

Hey lovely teachers! 🎶 Today on Vivid Practice, I’m sharing a quick and quirky strategy called Bat Bars! 🦇 This method helps students internalize music by using short-term memory—whether for memorization or just better learning. We’ll break down how to work backwards, turn it into a game, and make practice more engaging. Tune in to discover how Bat Bars can transform your students' retention and focus!

#PianoTeaching #PracticeTips #MusicEducation