Now that we have entered the third decade of the twenty- first century, I find myself looking back at the previous three decades and wondering: Did technology deliver on its implied promises? With advances in music technology, do piano students learn music faster, enjoy their practice more, and perform with greater confidence? These are import...

I admit it: technology has won a firm, long-lasting place in my heart. At present, I own two iPads, an iMac, an iPhone, a laptop, a music video camera, and a number of digital pianos. Other odds and ends of plug-in equipment and Bluetooth gadgets litter my home and studio. These are all completely necessary—or at ...

Looking for fresh ways to prepare students for an upcoming theory test? Need a new method to reinforce and build student confidence in any music-related topic? Consider using Heads Up or Kahoot. Heads up  Ellen DeGeneres introduced Heads Up for her show years ago, as it makes a terrific family game for holiday fun. The app comes with a va...

Why integrate popular or "non-classical" music into piano lessons?Retain studentsIntegrating pop music into your curriculum can meet students "where they are." Encouraging them to learn what's on their Spotify or iTunes playlist may draw them to practicing more, which results in progress. Progress motivates, and will keep them on the bench.Develop ...

ArtistWorksOVERVIEW: Equipment needed: Computer, phone, or tablet with video recording capability; internet connection. Mac and Windows are supported.Pricing: Packages are $105 for 3 months, $179 for 6 months, and $279 for 12 months. Video lectures/ lessons, backing tracks, video exchanges and submissions, and theory course...

Much to my pleasure (and astonishment!), a number of my students signed up to take theory tests at the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) local festival. None of these students owns a theory book.The NFMC Bulletin provides an outline of concepts covered in each test level, as well as practice tests from prior years. From the online bull...

​Backing tracks (pre-recorded or automated instrumental accompaniments) are inherently motivational. Why? Because playing with a snazzy drum groove is simply more compelling than practicing with a metronome. Here are suggestions for integrating backing tracks into your curriculum to enhance technique, timing, and creativity—all at the same tim...

OVERVIEWPrice: Free YouTube channels devoted to music education and beginning piano instructionSystems: Available on the web or through the iOS and Android YouTube appsEquipment: Any internet-connected deviceWebsite: youtube.com The Art of Teaching https://goo.gl/yLW5DA Lypur https://goo.gl/yJaubq PROS:The Art of Teaching: Succinct, expert ins...

OverviewPrice: Free for now. Subscription pricing will take effect when beta period ends, date and price to be determined.Technical Requirements: High-speed internet connections, iPhone or iPad. Android and desktop versions currently under development.Website: practicia.comCustomer support: Excellent communication via ...

OverviewPrice: Free zone or full premium access for $5.99/month (both student and teacher must purchase)Systems: Only available for the iPadEquipment: Any acoustic or digital piano; no cables or equipment necessaryWebsite: tonara.comPros​Large catalog and ability to scan any PDF score into the appNo extra equipment neededTeacher...

by Kristin Cahill OVERVIEW:• PRICE AND OPTIONS:-$9.99/month (billed annually); includes $20 in song credits -$17.99 for a single month; includes one free song -$269.99 lifetime membership; includes $40 in song credits *All subscriptions have full access to Playground software, community features (social media, leader boards), free Bootcam...

Not too long ago (say, way back in the 1990s), if you wanted to learn to play the piano, you basically had two options: you could find a teacher and take traditional lessons, or you could buy a book and try to teach yourself. With the growth of the internet and the arrival of smart mobile devices, those opportunities have expanded considerably.&nbs...