Key Ideas

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Episodes

Piano teaching does not always come bundled with ready-made solutions. Key Ideas highlights brilliant options for innovative piano teachers. Join Leila Viss for transparent reflections and illuminating interviews.

Episodes

Friday Feb 04, 2022

What’s the Big Deal about Off the Bench when On the Bench is what Really Matters?

Friday Feb 04, 2022

Off Bench time is a label for three types or parts of a lesson:

#1 A designated time before, during, or after a lesson where students complete assignments off the bench
#2 Any time spent doing a purposeful activity that engages the body beyond the fingers on the keys
#3 Any time spent completing activities that involve tactile or tech-savvy tools

Here’s the backstory of why I’ve been passionate about the Off Bench definition #2 for decades.

Without revealing my exact age you’ll learn how far I’ve come with my relationship with technology and how it has shaped the way I teach and how I format my lessons.

But…it’s not just all about me! Ultimately, I hope my story will transform your approach to teaching piano.

I don’t just nudge, I plead with you to check out the show notes…so here are the links as promised.

Blog posts

What is Off Bench Time?

How to Talk with Parents about Off Bench Time

Apps

Tonara (use code viss20 for a free trial and discount)

MusicTheory.net

Resources

20th Century Flashbacks

Digital Escape Room Games

Flip-Its