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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, Entrepreneur, learning environment, Music Lessons, music performance, music production, Uncategorized

Your Holiday Chill-Out: Lo-Fi winter music.

lizteachespiano

I must be honest- I am not the biggest Christmas celebration person, but I try to take the time to slow down, and appreciate the things I have, and just try to take what I want from the holiday season, letting it wash over me quietly, gently and calmly.

However, for some, as the holiday season rolls in, the hustle and bustle of preparations can be daunting. Also, if traditional holidays songs are not your type of style- how can you listen to something which feels relevant to you, yet a little special for this time of year?

That is not to say I do not like ‘Jingle bells’ or ‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas’ – but I also like to explore different types of music too! What if you could create a relaxing atmosphere, stay true to your music tastes, and unwind amidst the chaos and the cold? (if it is cold where you are at Christmas!)

Enter your holiday chill out: lo-fi winter electronic music, the ideal soundtrack for a cosy, cool holiday season .

The trend of lo-fi beats and chill electronic music has surged in popularity over the last few years, and it’s no surprise that it’s making its way into the holiday music scene.

Lo-fi, with its grainy beats, and subtle imperfections, is all about creating a laid-back vibe. When combined with festive elements like soft bells, and gentle wintry sounds, winter lo-fi music makes the perfect background music for everything from gift wrapping to a quiet evening by the fire.

songs  like Snowfall by Idealism or Aurora by Jinsang can be a peaceful alternative to the usual high-energy holiday tunes. A playlist like lofi Christmas chill can evoke the feeling of a winter wonderland, without being too intense, perfect for a low-key holiday gathering.

The beauty of lo-fi Christmas music is its simplicity. With its repetitive, hypnotic beats and mellow melodies, it creates an atmosphere of warmth without ever demanding too much attention. It’s ideal for those moments when you just want to relax, sip on a hot cocoa, or catch up with friends while the holiday lights flicker softly in the background.

I took a little time to create my own piece of lo-fi winter music-Here is the process using my Arturia MiniFreak:

Lo fi experiment: The bells I’m referring to are the lighter pink block.

Here is my Lofi composition titled “Winter 19th”:

My second electronic music album will be complete soon! You can listen to some of my released music here

Whether you’re curling up with a good book, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment of reflection, lo-fi and downtempo Christmas beats provide the perfect sonic backdrop to help you unwind during this busy season. This growing trend is more than just a musical choice —it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and savour the quiet moments.

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!