Category: Music Lessons

beginner tutorial, learning environment, Music Lessons, music performance, music production, piano lessons, piano performance, piano practice, piano teacher, Uncategorized

Short but Sweet: Short Music Courses

lizteachespiano

Short music courses offer a variety of benefits, making them a great choice for people looking to begin learning musical skills or explore new areas of interest.

Here are some reasons why short music courses are a great option:

🧁 Time-Saving

Short music courses are designed to fit into busy schedules. They allow students to learn new skills without committing to long-term programs or giving up too much time. This flexibility makes them ideal for people with jobs, families, or other responsibilities who want to improve their musical abilities without long term commitment.

🧁 Affordable

Short music courses are typically more affordable than full-length courses. This lower price point makes music education more accessible for people who might not have the financial resources to commit to a full-time program.

🧁 Immediate Results

Because short courses are more condensed, students often see quicker results. Whether you’re learning a new instrument or refining a particular technique, the focused nature of the course helps accelerate progress. This can be highly motivating, as learners can immediately apply what they’ve learned in a short period of time.

🧁 Variety of Topics

Short music courses often cover a wide range of topics. From songwriting to production techniques, students can explore different aspects of music in a short amount of time. This allows for the opportunity to discover new interests or skills.

🧁 No Long-Term Commitment

For those who are unsure whether they want to pursue music, short music courses offer a low-risk way to explore their interests. If they find that a particular course or subject isn’t a good fit, they can move on without feeling like they’ve invested too much time or money.

🧁 Hands-On Learning

Short courses often include practical, hands-on learning experiences, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned immediately. This practical approach helps build confidence and ensures that learners can apply their new skills quickly, such as writing a song, producing a track, or performing live.

🧁 Opportunity for Networking

Many short courses are held in group settings, whether online or in person. This allows students to meet other like-minded individuals, who share their musical interests.

🧁Convenient Online Options

Many short music courses are available online, making it even easier for students to access education . Whether you’re learning from home, on the go, or from anywhere with an internet connection, online courses offer unparalleled convenience.


Are you interested in learning a musical skill? My short music courses are designed to improve your musical abilities in an engaging, simple way:

short music course

Lunctime Liz teaches piano

With the short course: Lunchtime Liz teaches piano, learn basic beginner piano skills in your lunchbreak!

Course information

short music course

Electronic music for adults

This course is for adults who have an interest in music production and making electronic music, but are not sure how to begin.

Course Information

short music course

Electronic music for children and young people

Perfect for children and young people who like computers, and might be ready to explore music as well!

Course information

Short music courses are perfect for anyone looking for a quick and focussed way to improve their musical skills, whether as a beginner or an experienced musician looking to expand their knowledge. They’re affordable, and provide immediate benefits, making them an excellent choice!


beginner tutorial, Business, Entrepreneur, learning environment, Music Lessons, music performance, piano performance, piano teacher, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

How to be a musician and an entrepreneur

lizteachespiano

How to be a musician and an entrepreneur is an interesting position to be in, and also a difficult one.

Of course, everyone knows that being a professional musician in any form is notoriously difficult. After all, if it was easy to make money from something you enjoy, then everyone would do it. Being a professional musician- and I use this term for someone who makes money from music in some form or another-  requires planning, effort, and dedication.

In this blog I will talk a little about some key points if you are considering starting a music teaching business, as this is what I do. Although sometimes I am lucky enough to get paid to perform, realistically this is unlikely to sustain you. Using the skills and experiences I had already, it seemed a next step in life could be to try to teach music. For me, I think it was the right step to take. 

Keep in mind these tips are from the experience I have had. Yours will be different. Part of how to be a musician and entrepreneur is working with who you are, and what you are capable of. If you are not honest with yourself, it will only increase frustration and negativity.

However, the positive bit!

By preparing, providing excellent service, and marketing effectively, you can create a sustainable and fulfilling music teaching business, where you are doing something worthwhile for yourself, and giving something worthwhile to others.

I am always learning and developing my business. I do not have all the answers, but before you entertain the idea further and try to find customers, consider these things:

  • Do you have: a)the practical skills to do this? (teaching experience/qualifications etc) and  b) the personality to do this? (being very self driven, passionate about what you do and organised).
  • There are other avenues you can try without having to go it alone. You could work for a music school or substitute lessons. You could teach as a hobby with much lower stakes, the list goes on.
  • Do you have the time,space and resources to get this off the ground? These are luxuries not everyone has and are necessary to try and start a business. Unless you have a lot of contacts (unfortunately this was not me) you will need to be prepared to put a lot of effort in for maybe six months or more, with very little pay back. Do not give up your day job expecting to be able to earn and live the same way, just with more time to do what you want. You won’t. If it’s not the right time now, that doesn’t mean that the stars won’t align in the future. Patience really is a virtue when it comes to starting a musical business.
  • Clarify what instruments or lessons you will offer (piano, guitar, voice, workshops, groups lessons etc.)
  • Decide on the type of business structure (sole proprietorship, a small company etc.) I am not naturally a business minded person. When I started, I had no clue that there were different options and why. Research research research. Study, learn, ask questions! Check with your local government to see if you need a business license or permits to operate a music lesson business. Here in Sweden I recommend you go to https://verksamt.se/en
  • Online presence- social media- keep branding and be consistent- this is something I need to work more on for sure! Its 2024, you need to develop a website where potential students can learn more about your offerings, pricing, and booking.

A successful musician doesn’t just focus on artistic talent; they also recognize the importance of treating music as a business.

Why is musician entrepreneur different from another type of entrepreneur? It is because you are selling a skill, an experience and a feeling. You’re not giving a product to touch like shoes or a sandwich. How will you make your service feel like a product? This is what most people will want to feel they have. How will you sell the experience?

Once you have your first customer- congratulations! Here are some things to consider when you begin to interact with real paying customers:

  • Providing excellent customer service will help build long-term relationships with students and their families.
  • Communication: Be responsive to inquiries and maintain clear communication about scheduling, payment, and progress. Be punctual. 
  • Stay Passionate: Your enthusiasm for music will be contagious. Let your love for teaching and music shine through in every lesson.
  • Mental Resilience: You may face disappointments and curve balls in your musical and entrepreneurial journey. It is not a 9-5 job. Personally I like routine and structure, and so this is a challenge for me. Many musicians face mental health challenges like performance anxiety, imposter syndrome, and isolation. Developing emotional resilience is an important part of maintaining a healthy musician mindset. It’s an important thing to consider when deciding if a business in music is for you.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the industry for years, cultivating a positive and proactive mindset will help you not only become a better musician but also navigate the complexities of a music career with confidence and purpose.

I have learnt a lot of these things the hard way, and I hope my experiences can help others who would be interested in building a business in music but have no clue where to begin.

Remember: The reason people push through the hurdles is because to entrepreneurially pursue something you enjoy even if the payback is small, is incredibly rewarding. 

In my Lunchtime Liz teaches piano course, I will cover a little more about musician mindset. Even if you have no intention of being a musician or an entrepreneur, it is worth keeping in mind. Sometimes you have to talk to yourself in a certain way to get the most enjoyment from learning music!

I think this is something which is not often covered in music lessons, but can really help people maximise their potential and minimise their disappointments in the journey to learning a musical instrument. I will also be providing an e-booklet as a resource to the people on the course, elaborating and adding to the entrepreneurial aspects and the musician mindset covered in this blog.

Who knows, I might even make another blog about how to be a musician and an entrepreneur…watch this space!


learning environment, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

Cosy piano ideas for Autumn

lizteachespiano

As the seasons change and we cosy up indoors more, this blog is dedicated to creating a warm and inviting space for Autumn. These cosy piano ideas for Autumn are for piano teachers, students, and enthusiasts alike.

🍂Create a Comfortable Environment:

Lighting: Use soft, warm lighting to make your space inviting. You will need some sort of lamp because some days the light will not be enough to see music properly. However, on days it is still bright and sunny, take advantage of as much natural light as possible!

 I often teach later in the day, so I also light some non scented candles and have them in my music studio. These give less intense light, and add to a cosy vibe! Only light candles if this is safe to do so!!

Seating: Comfortable seating for students helps them focus better. For smaller children, I have some parents who also sit in the studio and we converse with them during the lesson. This creates a really nice atmosphere and the parents also know what the student is working on. I add cushions or blankets to the visitor sofa for those chilly days! 

🍂Incorporate Seasonal Themes:

Build a repertoire of Halloween and Christmas music! When a student inevitably says they would like to learn something seasonal you will be ready with some options! Websites like Music Notes have seasonal collections.

Discuss how students can use their surroundings: like rustling leaves or rain—to inspire improvisation and composition.

A music piece perfect for Autumn: Hall of the mountain king by Grieg.

🍂Seasonably Sweet Lessons:

Keep lessons engaging by mixing up activities. Incorporate autumnal warm-ups, a challenge in a music peice, and fun autumn themed games, all within 30-45 minutes to maintain energy and focus. 

A high level of concentration for a young student can only be so long. It is important to mix up pace and activities.

Combine art and music! Encourage students to create visual representations of their favorite pieces. You could also make a model of a piano, make a drum etc etc. 

Take time in the lesson to talk to your student about the music they like, or anything else they have done this week. Tell your students about any autumnal walks you went on, or your favourite autumn food. Remember to keep the conversation light and simple, but it is important for your students to know you are a real person who doesn’t solely play piano! 

Autumn is a fantastic time for students to practice a little more because the days are often colder and darker, but it is important they want to practice and look forward to seeing you each week. 

If you are thinking about learning a new musical skill, now is a fantastic time to start! Feel free to contact me if you’re in my area and interested in my help! 

🍂What cosy piano ideas for Autumn do you have for fellow piano teachers and students? Are there any specific pieces you love to play in the Autumn? Thanks for reading!

beginner tutorial, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, Uncategorized

Application of math in music and a free resource!

lizteachespiano

The application of math in music is a simple one, as music and mathematics share a strong connection, often revealed through the concept of note values. At their core, both disciplines explore patterns, ratios, and structures, making the relationship essential to musical composition and theory.

Note Values Explained

In music, note values determine the duration of a sound. Semibreves (whole note), Minims (half note), quavers (eighth note), and so on, each have a specific value that relates to a common beat. 

For example, a whole note (semibreve)  lasts four beats, while a half note (minim) lasts two. This hierarchical system can be expressed mathematically; a whole note can be seen as the sum of two half notes, or four quarter notes, illustrating how musical time is subdivided. Good fraction practice!

Rhythm and Time Signatures

Rhythm is another area where math shines. Musical beats are divided into fractions, giving rise to the note values like whole, half, and quarter notes. Time signatures, such as 4/4 or 3/4, dictate how these beats are grouped, creating a mathematical framework for rhythm. This structure allows musicians to create complex patterns that are both engaging and logical. 

Application of Mathematical concepts

Composing music involves mathematical thinking—understanding scales, intervals, and time signatures all require a grasp of mathematical principles. This real-world application can make abstract math concepts more relatable and easier to understand.

Enhancing problem solving skills

Musical improvisation encourages creative problem-solving. This flexibility in thinking can translate to math, where finding multiple solutions to a problem is often beneficial.

The application of math in music not only enriches the learning experience but also bridges the gap between the two disciplines, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of both.

I’ve created a simple music math worksheet you can download by going to my Free music resource page. This is a math and music worksheet for people new to music values, incorporating both addition and subtraction. I hope this helps you teach or learn an introduction to music values! Thanks for reading!

beginner tutorial, learning environment, Music Lessons, music performance, piano teacher, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

Singing tips for beginners

lizteachespiano

I thought I would take this post to share a little about singing tips for beginners, seeing as this is something I offer to teach as well! I think that both learning an instrument and singing can work very well together- personally I can attest that I can sing better because of my instrument training.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, improving your singing can be a straightforward journey.

Here are some beginner friendly singing tips to help you unlock your vocal potential:

Warm Up Your Voice

Just like any muscle, your vocal cords need a warm-up. Start with gentle humming or lip trills to get your voice ready. This helps prevent strain and enhances your range.

Focus on Breathing

Proper breath control is crucial for singing. whether a beginner or otherwise. Practice diaphragmatic breathing— this is : inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand. This technique provides the support you need for sustained notes. However, you do not need to take in buckets of air when singing- only take in according to what you need.

There are so many videos online regarding singing, but here are a couple I found to be quite simple:

Beginner singing lesson

Breath support

Posture Matters

Stand or sit up straight to allow your lungs to expand fully. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your chin slightly up. Good posture supports better airflow and vocal clarity. This is a very simple thing to change but makes a big difference

Articulate Clearly

Clear enunciation makes your singing more understandable. Practice tongue twisters and vocal exercises to improve your diction. This will enhance your overall performance. This also links to being confident. When singing, for the short time you are performing, or practicing, let your inhibitions go- the more you believe in what you are doing, the better it will sound.

Find Your Range

Identify your vocal range by singing scales. Knowing your limits helps you select appropriate songs and avoid straining your voice. Don’t hesitate to work with a vocal coach for personalized guidance. Be realistic. Songs can be key changed for a reason.

Not everyone’s voice is the same. Which leads to my next tip:

Experiment with Dynamics

Learn to vary your volume and intensity. Practice singing softly and then gradually increasing your volume. This adds emotion and depth to your performance. Even if you’re not planning on being on stage, this can really improve any type of singing performance.

Performance of “Direct Current” . For more performances, see special events and past special events

Record Yourself

Listening to recordings of your singing can reveal areas for improvement. Pay attention to pitch, tone, and timing. Use this feedback to make adjustments. You can record yourself easily enough, or ask your teacher to record things- this can really help visualize what to improve.

Stay Hydrated

Luckily, I like water, but it is necessary to drink plenty of water to keep your vocal cords hydrated! Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dry out your throat.

Rest Your Voice

Just like athletes, singers need rest. If you feel strain or fatigue, give your voice a break. Adequate rest is essential for vocal health.

Have Fun!

Lastly, although learning anything is a process- enjoy the process! Singing should be a joyful experience. Explore different styles, genres, and techniques to discover what you love.

I hope these singing tips for beginners have been helpful. If you would like to work on learning to sing, or improving your technique, you’re welcome to contact me, or book a trial lesson today. Thanks for reading!