Category: piano practice

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

Mnemonic Magic: Master Piano Notes the easy Way

lizteachespiano

Plus a free resource!

Hello! I know it has been a little while since my last blog, I’ve been teaching final summer lessons for some students (so they have to be extra special!) , planning summer lessons for students still taking lessons, rehearsing for performances and working in my allotment. Along with many other things. Today I writing a blog on something lots of students struggle with, but is truly fundamental when it comes to learning piano (particularly if you want to be independent and free to play whatever you want at some point!) That is reading music. A good way to begin to read piano music is with mnemonics. With a little Mnemonic Magic, you will be well on your way to reading piano notes!

 Mnemonics are memory aids that help you remember information—in this case, the names of the notes on the lines and spaces of the musical stave (staff) for piano.

Firstly, lets get to grip with a piano staff:

🎼 Understanding the Staff:

  • The staff consists of five lines and four spaces.
  • Piano music uses two staves:
    • The treble clef (usually middle C and above, and for beginners, usually for the right hand)
    • The bass clef (usually middle C and below, and for beginners, usually for the left hand)

Tip: You can access blank sheet music at https://pianocoda.com/blank-sheet-music/

🎹 Treble Clef Mnemonics 

Lines (from bottom to top):

E – G – B – D – F
 💡 Mnemonic Magic: Every Green Bus Drives Fast
(this works well in my town as the busses are green!)

Spaces (from bottom to top):

F – A – C – E
 💡 Mnemonic Magic: Just remember: it spells “FACE”!

🎹 Bass Clef Mnemonics (Left Hand)

Lines (from bottom to top):

G – B – D – F – A
 💡 Mnemonic Magic: Good Burgers Deserve Fries Always

Spaces (from bottom to top):

A – C – E – G
 💡 Mnemonic Magic: All Cows Eat Grass

Mnemonic Magic

This is available to download as a free pdf on my resources page.

How to use the mnemonic magic:

When reading sheet music:

  • You identify whether a note is on a line or space.
  • You determine which clef is used.
  • You then apply the mnemonic to quickly figure out the note name.
  • This will become more automatic with practice and eventually gets replaced by immediate recognition.

What about B, middle C and D?

Middle C is below the lines in treble clef and above the lines in bass clef. Think of music like a diagonal line going up, not just two straight lines. You can also use the resource I’ve provided to actually picture middle C on the page.

💡Mnemonic Magic Tip:

Always try to recognise where middle C is on the music. Try to note where maybe D below middle C is (3rd line up in bass clef) and an octave higher than middle C (3rd space up in treble clef). These are good ANCHOR points. As time progresses start to remember more anchor points, and use the same idea for notes above and below the main stave (but those notes are for another blog!)

Thanks for reading 🙂

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

Why Piano Duets Deserve a Place in your Lesson

lizteachespiano

Why Teach Piano Duets?

Here’s why piano duets deserve a place in your lesson: There’s something a little magical about four hands on one piano. Piano duets—whether teacher and student or two students together—bring a fresh energy to lessons. They create connection, encourage listening, and add a little extra fun.

While solo playing builds independence, duets foster collaboration. Students must tune in to rhythm, timing, and phrasing—not just their own, but their partner’s too. It’s music-making as conversation.

The Benefits Go Beyond the Notes

  • Boost Listening Skills: Students learn to hear the whole, not just their part.
  • Strengthen Rhythm & Timing: Duets demand precision and ensemble awareness.
  • Build Confidence: Its good for students who feel a little nervous performing- in a sense they are performing because they are working with another person, but its still low stakes because the other person is not “watching” them.
  • Encourage Social Connection: Piano is often a solo instrument—duets add a sense of team and fun.
  • Improve Sight-Reading: Students are more motivated to read ahead because they need to keep up.

👉 Pro Tip: Keep an easy duet book readily accessible in your lesson- it can be great for if the student needs a break from the task at hand, and can be a good confidence boost and refresh!

Try It This Week

Next time your student’s motivation dips or you finish a piece early, pull out a piano duet. Whether it’s a silly beginner tune or a fun jazz piece, you’ll be amazed at how engaged they become, and you’ll see why piano duets deserve a place in your lesson.

🎹 After all, the best part of playing piano isn’t always the notes—sometimes it is who you’re sharing them with.

A fabulous student and I playing Coconut Rumba by Roy Stratford.

Want More Duet Resources?

Check out these ideas for some duet music- I really like Piano time books, so I’ve linked the one I’m using in the video:

Ready to bring duet magic into your piano playing?

Feel free to get in touch if you’re interested in more tips ideas, or beginning your own musical adventure!

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

Playing piano by ear

lizteachespiano

Have you ever heard a song and wished you could just sit down and play it—without sheet music, just by listening? That magical skill is called playing piano by ear, and the good news is: Anyone can learn it, and it’s a fun way to make music. I like to think over the years I have become relatively good at this, but it does take some training. Here are some of the keys to playing piano by ear: 

What does it mean to “Play by Ear”?

Playing piano by ear ( or playing by ear) means listening to music and figuring it out on your instrument without using written notes. You start to recognize patterns, chords, and melodies just by sound. Think of it like learning a new language—you start by hearing and repeating before reading or writing.

Why is playing piano by ear valuable?

  1. Improves Listening Skills – You become more in tune (no pun intended!) with what you hear. I encourage all my students to listen to lots of music, and listen to what they are playing. The more you can recognise notes and tones, the easier playing by ear is.
  2. Boosts Creativity – You can improvise, make your own arrangements, and even write music more easily. I work on improvisation and composition with my students, and it’s always really fun and interesting to hear the outcomes!
  3. Adds Confidence – You can deviate from the written music on your page (when the time and place is right!) you can collaborate with other musicians, and it becomes a lot quicker to play many songs you always wanted to play.

Some simple keys to get your started:

  • Pick Simple Songs You Know Well – Nursery rhymes, favorite movie themes, or pop songs with clear melodies.
  • Hum the Melody First – If you can sing it, you can start finding the notes on the piano.
  • Try One Note at a Time – Don’t rush. Finding even a small part of the melody by ear is a great start.
  • Practice. Immerse yourself in lots of different types of music.
We are ready for eurovision!

A Little Goes a Long Way

In piano lessons, I work on improvisation and composition with my students, and it’s always really fun and interesting to hear the outcomes!
Alongside reading music , some improvisation and composition tasks will help students grow into well-rounded musicians. Even just a few minutes a week playing by ear can spark new excitement and confidence.

Ready to give it a try? At Liz teaches Piano, I enjoy helping students explore music beyond the page. Whether you’re new to the piano or have been playing for years, Let your ears lead the way!

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

Overcoming Performance Anxiety.

lizteachespiano

Plus a free resource!

Performance anxiety is something almost every musician experiences at some point. Whether you’re playing in front of an audience for the first time or you’re a seasoned performer, nerves can hit and make your performance feel impossible. But the good news is, with the right strategies, you can manage and overcome these nerves and turn that anxiety into something positive.

Understanding why you are nervous

Anxiety is a common experience for many people, including musicians, actors, and public speakers to name a few!

There are several reasons why people experience anxiety when performing, and it can help to understand that it is a normal feeling, and what exactly is causing the anxiety.  Performance anxiety can involve a combination of factors:

  • Fear of Judgment
  • Perfectionism
  • The Need to Control
  • Lack of Experience
  • Past Negative Experiences
  • The Desire to Impress

These are all valid reasons for performance anxiety and all things which I certainly have felt from time to time. My piano performances began with a baptism of fire- I didn’t have much choice as a child. Although I don’t believe this was a particularly healthy way to begin my musical performance career, and has no doubt added to my need for control, it has made me quite resilient when it comes to performing.

As an adult it made me see what I don’t like about performances and how to avoid that. I believe it has also made me more understanding and kinder to people who are feeling performance anxiety, and I can help them better because I understand the feeling. 

I’ve had some less than good experiences as an adult musician too. Through some difficult times, I’ve come into some better times, mentally and musically. And actually, I now have a very strong belief in what I do, which helps with overcoming performance anxiety.

I make sure to incorporate performance coaching and mentoring into my lessons, because I believe it is integral to learning an instrument in any way, let alone performing live.

Why overcome performance anxiety?

Ultimately, musicians perform because it allows them to connect with others, express themselves, challenge their abilities, and experience the magic of music in a way that practice alone cannot replicate. It’s the joy of seeing their art come to life and the fulfilment of sharing it with others that makes live performance such a central part of their musical journey. I’m not going to lie- I may have a strong belief in my musician hood, but other people validating that for me- there is little like it!

Here are some tips to help you overcome performance anxiety:

 Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

This is the most successful tip I have found to help overcoming my performance anxiety. Nothing helps build confidence like being well-prepared. This helps my need to control every element- I simply make sure I control every element WITHIN MY CONTROL. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel in your abilities. Knowing your pieces inside and out means you’ll be able to handle any hiccups that might occur during your performance. This preparation also allows you to focus on the music instead of worrying about making mistakes.

Breathe and Relax

Anxiety tends to make us tense up, and this affects our performance. Learning relaxation techniques, like deep breathing can calm your nerves before and during your performance. I personally really like the app headspace, as it has a lot of different meditations, mindfulness activities, and and also some exercises for posture and movement.

Slow, deep breaths help reduce the body’s physical anxiety responses and allow you to focus on the music. I hold a concert for my students in the spring, and during performance week, I encourage my students to take a moment to do a breathing exercise before we even begin the music lesson!

Personally, I use this app in one way or another every day.

Focus on the Music, Not the Audience

I wish I could have told myself this even ten years ago. It’s easy to get wrapped up in how the audience perceives you, but the truth is, most people are just there to enjoy the music. 

Shift your focus away from yourself and instead, immerse yourself in the music. Let your passion for the piece guide you, and remember that it’s about the experience of sharing music, not about perfection.

Its a difficult one, and something I’m constantly trying to work at- this can also be used as an analogy for life too!

Start Small

If the idea of performing feels overwhelming, start small. Go and watch performances! Make a recording of yourself performing something you enjoy and send to a few friends or family members. Gradually increase the number of people in your audience as you become more comfortable.

Then, perhaps invite them to watch you play live in your home, then at an open mic night etc etc… The more you perform in low-pressure environments, the less intimidating it will feel when the stakes are higher. Seek out supportive people, fellow musicians, a music teacher, and others who can support you on your musical journey.

 Perform Regularly

The more you perform, the less intimidating it becomes. Regular exposure to performing will help you build a routine and reduce the anxiety that comes with it. Whether it’s for a small group of friends or at an open mic event, each performance is a stepping stone toward feeling more comfortable on stage.

Final thoughts

Overcoming performance anxiety is a journey that takes patience. Trust in your preparation, and let your passion for music lead the way.

Again I wish I could tell my younger self this, but performing, learning a musical instrument, being resilient with practice and preparation…these are all skills, and don’t let someone who has no experience or knowledge in these skills ruin it for you. Try to use those more difficult experiences to make you a stronger performer in the future.

I’ve added a little colourful handout to help with overcoming performance anxiety to my free resources page- feel free to print it, and take it with you to your next performance!

If you’re feeling especially anxious, or beginning to feel anxiety of any form is taking over your day to day life, then please don’t feel afraid to seek professional help.

Good luck, and happy playing! 🎶

beginner tutorial, Entrepreneur, learning environment, Music Composition, Music Lessons, music production, piano practice, piano teacher, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

Exploring music with Google.

lizteachespiano

As a musician and teacher, you’re always looking for new ways of exploring music. Looking for fun innovative tools to expand your musical lessons? Then Chrome Music Lab and experiment with google are for you!

What are they? 

Chrome Music Lab and Experiment with google are web-based platforms created by Google that provide a variety of experiments so you try exploring music in a visual and intuitive way.

They are very simple, visually engaging, and offer a range of features that appeal to both beginners and experienced musicians.

Here’s why I enjoy using Google experiments in my music lessons:

Easy to Use: The interface is user-friendly for both beginners and experienced musicians. Chrome Music Lab allows you to explore sound and rhythm without needing much music knowledge, making it ideal for young learners. While Experiment with Google is more experimental and less structured, I prefer the visuals and ideas, and it’s not significantly more complicated.

Fun and Creative: They encourage you to experiment and play with sound. Create melodies with “Song Maker” and explore the synthesizers in “Synthesizer AR”

Exploring Sound and Rhythm: The ability to experiment with rhythm, tempo, and pitch in real time helps develop an understanding of how music works. It’s like a virtual playground for musical creativity.

Accessible and Free: It’s  completely free and accessible through any web browser. You don’t need to download anything or set up an account to start creating. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to try making music on the go. I think it is particularly good if you demonstrate and discuss with your student whilst using it. My younger students need different activities in their workshop style lessons, and this is great for that. There is also a function to share your creation with most of the experiments. This means they can continue working on it at home, or share with friends and family what they did in music class!

Educational: Whether you’re just getting started with music or are an advanced learner, Chrome Music Lab and Expeiremtn with google offer great educational tools that can help explain musical concepts.

Some experiments to Explore:

  1. Song Maker: Create your own melodies by drawing and clicking on a grid. It’s a great tool to experiment with rhythm, pitch, and scale. You can even share your creations with others!
  2. Rhythm: This tool lets you experiment with rhythmic patterns. It’s a fantastic way for young musicians to develop their sense of rhythm and groove.
  3. blokdust – Build a visually engaging synthesizer.
  4. Yume- you alter the music in the world. Really pretty and great for students who like computer games

By diving into these experiments, you can gain fresh insights into music production, music theory or simply have fun discovering new musical concepts. And since it’s all web-based, you can use these tools anywhere, anytime, with just a browser.

Why Should Musicians, teachers and students Experiment?

It’s easy to get stuck in your creative process. Using tools like Chrome Music Lab and exploring other experiments with Google can help you think outside the box- For your own professional growth and for planning lessons. Keep in mind that they are activities, not lessons– it’s up to you to incorporate them into your lesson and work out how they will demonstrate aspects of music you want learnt. If incorporated creatively, you’ll be exposed to new methods of music that might inspire your next big project!