Category: piano lessons

Entrepreneur, learning environment, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, Uncategorized

Why music games are a great tool in music lessons.

lizteachespiano

Plus a free resource!

Music games are a great tool in music lessons, particularly for understanding music theory. 

Music games help make learning fun, interactive, and engaging. This can motivate students, especially younger students, (although I mix games into my adult lessons too!) to keep practicing. Here are some key reasons why music games are a great tool in music lessons:

Reinforce Learning: Music games allow students to practice musical concepts in a relaxed, hands-on way. They can reinforce skills like rhythm, note recognition, scales, and dynamics while still feeling like they’re playing a game instead of just “working.”

Improve Retention: Games can help with memory retention. The combination of repetition and playful competition can make musical concepts stick more effectively than traditional methods alone.

Increase Engagement: Not every student learns the same way. Some students find it hard to focus and concentrate for a whole lesson. So I often break my lessons into sections. We focus for a little while then have a brain break- this is a great time for a game. When music is turned into a game, it becomes more interactive and appealing. This can increase a student’s focus and enthusiasm. 

Encourage Social Interaction: I make sure the games I play mean I will have to play as well. Some of my games can work for multiplayer (get a sibling or parent involved!) which encourage teamwork, cooperation, and communication . These social aspects can make you seem more like a person to your student and increases motivation- if your students like you, they will want to learn and interact with you. This is very important.

Beneficial for teachers: This can also be great for you as a teacher- it can be hard to explain certain aspects of music theory and a game can help explain for you. Pre plan a few games in advance to help with time management.

Instant Feedback: Games can provide immediate feedback, which is useful for correcting mistakes right away. This instant response can accelerate learning and help students and parents understand their progress.

Build Confidence: As students win games or achieve small milestones, it can boost their self-esteem and encourage a sense of accomplishment. This can foster a positive attitude toward learning and create a growth mindset. Sometimes I begin a game in class and ask students to complete for homework- so it doesn’t feel like homework exactly, but is still something they think of outside the lesson, and can attempt independent of me.

Develop other Critical Skills: Certain music games focus on developing listening skills, pattern recognition, and problem-solving—all of which are useful for a musician.

Music games help make learning more dynamic and enjoyable while supporting the development of essential skills! I’ve created a very simple tic tac toe style game for students who are learning piano keys. Instead of an O or X, each player will be a particular note on the piano. Enjoy!

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

Simple music composition: 4 useful chords for creativity!

lizteachespiano

When it comes to making music, sometimes all you need to begin for simple music composition are 4 chords to spark creativity and build something memorable. Here are four versatile chords, and the simple formula they follow.

A chord is a group of notes- to build a chord I would recommend starting with the Root (first), Third (3rd note) and Fifth (Dominant/ 5th note) in a scale. Music theory can seem very complicated, but once you know some building blocks, the more complex steps also follow the same logic.

C major piano scale

The starting scale. I call it this, because it is the first scale students will learn. The reason for this is :

a) It establishes middle C as the anchor for students to look for and recognise notes using C as a guide.

b) It is 12 o clock on the circle of 5ths- the Major scale with no sharps or flats.

For more on the Circle of 5ths , or more complex music theory, you can of course research. I’ve added a link to a website explaining in more detail, but there are many!

It is also extremely useful to find a music teacher who can guide you on what theory is useful to learn to begin with, and help you build up slowly. They can demonstrate the theory in practice.

The formula for 4 useful chords to know, using the scale of C major as the guide:

  1. C Major (I) The “Root” chord. C Major is often the starting point for many pieces and offers a sense of stability. Its bright sound makes it ideal for both happy and reflective moments in a song.
  2. A Minor (vi) A Minor is the relative minor of C Major, meaning it shares the same notes but has a more melancholic tone. The Minor Harmonic is more frequently used for popular music- the harmonic scale raises the 7th note- but we are getting a little too complicated for simple music composition! This chord brings emotional depth to your progressions and creates contrast.
  3. G Major (V) Known as the dominant chord. G Major has a strong, energetic pull towards resolving back to C Major. It provides a sense of tension that begs to be resolved, making it a perfect choice for building musical anticipation.
  4. F Major (IV) F Major gives your progression a smooth, uplifting feel. As the subdominant chord, it has a soft tension that leads naturally back to the tonic (C Major) or moves to the dominant (G Major), making it a staple in many iconic progressions.

Together, these four chords (C, Am, G, F) create a I-vi-V-IV progression, which is the foundation of countless hit songs.

In classical music this does not follow the rule of Cadences (Cadences don’t end on IV in classical music). However, in modern music it does happen. Think of ending on the IV as an interrupted cadence- the feeling of moving on going somewhere. More the end of a phrase than an official cadence.

Although I was classically trained, it is wise to learn different styles of music to help a variety of students achieve what they want to achieve. Some of my students want to learn music composition and popular music, so learning chord progressions such as these is useful for a well rounded music education. You can play around with these chords in a different order for more options as well.

They’re easy to play, but give endless ideas for crafting melodies, lyrics, and harmonies. Whether you’re writing pop, rock, or even more experimental genres, or looking for more classically structured lessons, please take a look at my music packages. If you’re local maybe try a trial lesson. Thanks for reading!

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!


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!