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The age old question…how do we make piano scales fun and relevant?

by Nicola Cantan

Introduction “Ok, let’s start with some scales.” *Cue student’s eyelid’s drooping*. We all know we’re supposed to teach our piano students their scales, but it can quickly turn into a battle of wills. I never want to tell my students to “eat their vegetables”, so how do I make those vegetables look like candy? It’s not ... The age old question…how do we make piano scales fun and relevant?

04/28/2015 Read more

Therese Milanovic on Piano Technique: “But what will the examiner say?”

by Tim Topham

I recently found this four-part series by Brisbane-based teacher and presenter Therese Milanovic, and just had to share it with you. (It’s going to be particularly relevant to all the Aussie teachers who use the AMEB exam syllabus.) As a teacher of exam students, I’m often worried about what the examiner might think about my students’ technique, performance skills or ... Therese Milanovic on Piano Technique: “But what will the examiner say?”

04/10/2015 Read more

AMEB Series 17 Piano | Best pieces Grades 4-6

by Tim Topham

Quick NavigationIntroductionGrade 4Grade 5Grade 6Conclusion & Where to buy Introduction This is the second in my 3-part blog series about the music in the new AMEB Series 17 publications released in November 2014. My first part, showing my favourite pieces for Grades P-3 is here.  In this article, I’ll be focussing on the music found ... AMEB Series 17 Piano | Best pieces Grades 4-6

02/02/2015 Read more

Making the most of the AMEB Manual List | The Piano Teacher Magazine

by Tim Topham

How should I use the Manual List? While the Australian Music Examinations Board  (AMEB) releases music books for each grade level whenever they update their exam syllabuses, there is a wealth of other great pieces listed permanently in the syllabus under the “Manual List”. Remember that the exam books for each grade only feature around three ... Making the most of the AMEB Manual List | The Piano Teacher Magazine

08/26/2014 Read more

How to mark a piano exam | “On Your Marks” ABRSM

by Tim Topham

If you’ve ever wanted to be a ‘fly on the wall’ at one of your students’ piano exams, have a look at this great free offering from the ABRSM. What is it? The ABRSM has just released a great feature on its website called “On Your Marks”. This resource allows you to watch and assess all the ... How to mark a piano exam | “On Your Marks” ABRSM

10/01/2013 Read more

First experience: ANZCA Modern Piano v. AMEB Piano for Leisure

by Tim Topham

Many of you will have read last month’s post about my experience using Trinity College Exams; now I thought it appropriate to let you know about my first experience preparing students for the ANZCA Modern Piano syllabus. This year for the first time, I chose two students who I felt suited an ANZCA exam : ... First experience: ANZCA Modern Piano v. AMEB Piano for Leisure

12/24/2012 Read more
 

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Why Working To Exams Is Anti-Piano

by Tim Topham

OK, so this might be a bit controversial but hear me out. I was reading a fabulous article by Kathryn Page in a recent Pianist Magazine (No 67), entitled “Developing and maintaining repertoire”. The article was about how important it is for pianists and students to play lots of music at one level and style ... Why Working To Exams Is Anti-Piano

11/17/2012 Read more

Julie Haskell answers questions on AMEB exams

by Tim Topham

A couple of weeks ago, the VMTA ran a one-day piano teachers’ conference at Piano Time in South Melbourne. I always try to get along to these events as it’s great to network with other teachers and the presenters and learn new tricks and techniques to improve my teaching practice. The most interesting session for ... Julie Haskell answers questions on AMEB exams

03/09/2012 Read more

General knowledge/analysis help for your students – Ross Hamilton

by Tim Topham

Have you ever been teaching a piece of music for a student to present at an exam, only to realise a few week’s out that you are not 100% sure of the piece’s analysis/general knowledge requirements? I have, and given the importance that is placed on a student’s understanding of the ‘general knowledge’ surrounding the ... General knowledge/analysis help for your students – Ross Hamilton

01/25/2012 Read more

75 pieces in one year? How Ben went from beginner to Grade 2 in 10 months!

by Tim Topham

In 2011, I challenged all my students to learn at least 40 pieces during the school year. Out of my 40 or so students (and despite my best motivational efforts) most managed around 20 pieces, two achieved the 40 pieces milestone and one completely outdid even my own expectations. Ben (pictured with his award), learnt ... 75 pieces in one year? How Ben went from beginner to Grade 2 in 10 months!

01/16/2012 Read more

Deliberate Play v. Deliberate Practice

by Tim Topham

Deliberate Practice I’ve talked at length in previous posts about the importance of “Deliberate Practice”, a phrase made popular in Geoff Colvin’s brilliant book, “Talent is Overrated”, in making your limited practice time more effective. But can you actually do too much practice? We’ve all heard that “too much of anything is a bad thing” ... Deliberate Play v. Deliberate Practice

11/13/2011 Read more

More cool music for the boys – Sonny Chua

by Tim Topham

With a firm belief that instrumental teachers should spend at least an hour a week listening to and playing through new repertoire, I thought it worth sharing with you the music of Sonny Chua as definitely worth your research time. Sonny Chua is a Malaysian-born, Melbourne-based piano teacher and composer who writes music that will appeal ... More cool music for the boys – Sonny Chua

09/07/2011 Read more