Key Ideas

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

In episode #61, the last one to drop in 2022, I share a few of my favorite things that have gotten me through this postpandemic world.

If you know me well, I don’t prefer the phrase silver linings but some of the favorite things I share today come close to silver linings.

The list bundles favorites for my business and personal life in no particular order. From a favorite recipe to bar soap to the top tools for my business, you’re in store for an eclectic list and some clever tips, too.

Make sure to head to the SHOW NOTES for ALL the links.

Navigating a Postpandemic World with Vanessa Cornett, Part 2

Episode #60 features part two of my interview with Vanessa Cornett. It picks up where we left off so it’s important to head back to episode #59 if you haven’t taken in all of Dr. Cornett’s insight and advice about healthy disengagement.

Make sure to catch her descriptions of disidentification affirmation and detaching with compassion—especially as musicians–these mental frameworks could provide just the lift your self-compassion needs. In this second part of our conversation, Vanessa explains how to re-engage with resistance–like salmon swimming upstream.

Personally, I’ve noticed that her timely and timeless wisdom in these two episodes has served as a tune-up for my emotional well-being. My guess is that it may do the same for you. By the end of this episode, you, too, will feel empowered with strategies to help you mindfully navigate your way upstream in this postpandemic world.

Head to the show notes for links to Vanessa's book and Perry's Party Piano Camp!

Navigating a Postpandemic World with Vanessa Cornett, Part 1

Episode #59 features my one-on-one discussion with the enlightening Dr. Vanessa Cornett. You’ll want to eavesdrop on every second!

From the start, it was clear that I’d have to split our conversation into two episodes because Vanessa has countless insights to share about our collective journey through a global pandemic.

As we enter into a postpandemic world (BTW, the Wallstreet Journal uses NO hyphen!) Vanessa offers some stellar reflections on what we can take with us and what we can leave behind.

In part one, you hear Vanessa identify eight dimensions of well-being and explain the benefits of healthy disengagement. Yes, apparently, that is a thing.

Stay tuned in episode #60 for part two of our conversation where we discuss re-engaging with resistance. Yes, apparently that’s a thing, too!

Make sure to head to the SHOW NOTES to learn more about Vanessa and her book The Mindful Musician. 

And there's a link to save your spot at the Composium!

How to Reap the Benefits of Teaching Group Piano

Episode #58 is a SOLO spotlight episode with special guest host Dorla Aparicio.

Dorla shares her unique and tried and true approach to group teaching. I use the phrase tried and true because Dorla is a pioneer in the field of group teaching.

She is always so generous with her expertise based on her past experiences. Her sage advice is ideal if you are considering group lessons or are already sold on them.

Dorla even provides samples of the music she uses for her pyramid approach to teaching multi-levels in one group. And you won’t want to miss her explanation of the GROUP acronym she uses to help her formulate her philosophy and structure her lessons. 

Grab your free e-book featuring the multi-level ensemble Dorla explains in the episode at the show notes HERE.

 

The Joy of Playing the Piano All your Life with Emile Pandolfi

As a child, Emile Pandolfi was passionate about playing and creating at the piano. 

His passion turned into a life-long career. His story is an inspiration and he serves as a role model to us as well as our students. Emile proves that you CAN carve out a career as a performing artist even if it doesn’t follow the expected path.

In this episode, Emile shares how his music-making expanded and has withstood the test of time.

Despite massive changes in technology over the past decades–-remember cassette tapes and CDS?--and the squeeze of a global pandemic, Emile continues to overcome and reinvent and stay loyal to his childhood passion and his work.

You'll enjoy his take on technique, performance, and practice!

Head to the show notes to get Emile's book Play it Like You Mean It. Look for the link so you can listen to Emily on Spotify or Pandora.

And...make sure to try Forte and earn the chance to get a $50 Amazon gift card.

LINK TO SHOW NOTES

 

Using Your Website to Explode the Limits of Your Studio

Episode #56 is the second SOLO spotlight episode with special guest host Janna Carlson.

If you missed her first one you MUST Head to #54 to hear her first spotlight episode. You’ll learn the two reasons why Key Ideas now includes spotlight episodes and it sheds light on why Janna speaks with such authority when it comes to piano teaching, online lessons, and websites.

 

In this episode, Janna gets specific and shares how you can use your website to bring more freedom to your life as a music teacher. Yes, freedom!

 

Janna’s four tips will also support you if you simply want to grow your studio to the next level.

 

Find links to the resources Janna mentioned and learn more about her course

by following THIS LINK to the show notes.

Enrollment opens October 26, 2022 - make sure to grab your spot!

How to Talk with Our Students

Notice the title does not say how to talk TO students. It uses the word WITH instead.

The word WITH seems more appropriate because learning an instrument requires instruction but also an exchange of words, an interaction between the teacher and the student.

In this episode, I sift through top resources and collect advice or more specifically, a vocabulary from various experts. My discoveries are reduced to a short list of suggestions which is by no means a comprehensive list but it’s a place to begin.

Head to the show notes HERE for links to the books and articles mentioned in the episode.

My Expat Piano Teacher Journey: The Music Teacher’s Toolbox for Big Life Changes

This episode is a FIRST for Key Ideas!

It's because I made a pact with myself to work smarter and not harder. You can hear this proclamation back in my season opener, episode #48. 

So instead of a conversation that can often become cluttered with "extras", this episode lets website guru Janna Carlson get right to her fascinating story. Her tale comes with twists and turns as a piano teacher turned website designer.

And her gift to you?

Janna shares what she calls her "piano teacher's big life-change toolbox."

The tools that she stumbled upon through her ups and downs may be just what you need for your studio!

Head to the show notes HERE for all the resources mentioned and a coupon code for Janna's course. I can't recommend it enough!

Repertoire Round Up with Charlene: Ensembles

Episode #50 is part two of my chat with one of my most popular guests, rock star piano teacher, and innovative pedagogue Charlene Shelzi Jarvis.

Tune in as we continue our round up our favorite ensemble pieces from a variety of composers –not just one publisher--and we even play portions of them. The episode comes paired with a carefully organized list of pieces that features the titles and composers with links to videos and where to purchase the music.

The list alone is worth its weight in gold so make sure to head to the show notes AFTER you listen in.

Our conversation begins in episode #49. Make sure to listen in and get tips from Charlene for prepping a successful ensemble concert. And, I’ve got 4 parameters to follow when choosing a piece for any special occasion.

 

Follow THIS LINK to download your list!

 

From sponsor Tim Topham!

Join the TopMusicPro community, on a 14 day all-access FREE trial by heading to https://topmusicpro.com and using code TEAMLEILA. You'll also get ongoing discount access after your trial for as long as you remain a member. Find out more about the TopMusic blog, podcast and videos over at topmusic.co.

Repertoire Roundup with Charlene: Halloween

Here's another episode where we don't hold back!

Charlene and I provide a list of THE TOP Halloween music for piano solos and ensembles, too.

Head to the show notes to grab the downloadable list of all the music featured. 

The list is organized according to level and includes links to videos and where to purchase the sheet music. 

Also, grab Twinkle with a Twist while it's on sale.

Follow THIS link for the show notes!