Keys to Music Learning

Between Lessons: Non-practicers

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In this Between Lessons episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista and Hannah chat about students who do not practice, have not yet been inspired to practice, or who practice sporadically because of busy schedules and life.

They talk about ways Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory can help alleviate frustrations that may come up when students do not practice.

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

Between Lessons: Modules

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In this Between Lessons episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista and Hannah chat about module ideas, including a studio folk song project and recital, using modules for teacher brain breaks, and more!

Mentioned in this episode, is Sarah Boyd's Boogie and Blues webinar.

For more information and to register for a PDLC, visit the Gordon Institute for Music Learning.

Between Lessons: PDLCs

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In this Between Lessons episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista and Hannah chat about summer Professional Development Levels Courses through the Gordon Institute for Music Learning. There are a variety of offerings for Summer 2026, including piano courses taught by Krista and Hannah!

For more information and to register for a PDLC, visit the Gordon Institute for Music Learning.

From the Archives: A Q&A with Marilyn Lowe

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this special archival episode, we're honored to share a thoughtful 2021 Q&A with Marilyn Lowe, founder of Music Moves for Piano. Marilyn reflects on her early teaching successes and the moment she realized something deeper was missing in her students’ musicianship. Through her discovery of Edwin E. Gordon’s Music Learning Theory, she found a new path forward.

In this conversation, she offers practical guidance on developing audiation, supporting students’ singing and pattern learning, and helping young musicians grow into confident, independent readers and creators. This episode is a beautiful reminder that true musical understanding goes far beyond the notes on the page.

Between Lessons: Props

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this Between Lessons episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista and Hannah dive into one of their favorite topics: props! From rhythm sticks and bean bags to pom poms and stretchy bands, they explore how simple materials can transform early childhood classes and beginning piano lessons.

You’ll hear practical, creative ways to use props to strengthen macrobeat and microbeat awareness, support body coordination, prepare keyboard technique, and keep the musical mind fully engaged—all without breaking context. Whether you teach toddlers, keyboard classes, or even high school students, this episode will spark fresh ideas and challenge you to get more mileage out of the props you already own.

Between Lessons: Early Childhood Music

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this first “Between Lessons” quick chat, Krista and Hannah dive into the world of early childhood music education, sharing fresh experiments, big questions, and joyful discoveries from their classrooms.

Krista returns to teaching early childhood at a Montessori school and reflects on the power of immersion, play, and patience. Hannah shares how a summer seminar reshaped her thinking about music literacy, leading her to experiment with looping, overlapping class structures, and emergent music reading.

If you teach young children, or want to better understand where audiation begins, this episode is full of practical ideas and encouragement.

Show Notes
Unveiling Artistry in Early Childhood by Mary Ellen Pinzino
Sarah Boyd, pianovinestudio.com
Joy Morin, colorinmypiano.com

Micro Progressions, Big Growth: Continuing the Conversation with Amy Chaplin (Part 2)

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In Part 2 of our conversation with Amy Chaplin, we go deeper into the messy middle of learning and teaching through Music Learning Theory (MLT). Amy reflects honestly on feeling overwhelmed early in her MLT journey, how those experiences shaped her empathy for teachers, and why “micro progressions” have become central to both her teaching and her professional work.

We talk about tonalities, singing, and audiation, the emotional responses MLT can bring up for teachers, and what it means to share research-based ideas without making others feel “wrong.” Amy also shares the story behind Piano Pantry, her organization coaching, retreats, podcast, and her growing readiness to speak more openly about MLT and tonal learning.

This episode is an encouraging reminder that discomfort is not a sign of failure — it’s often a sign that real learning is happening.

Show Notes
Piano Pantry blog & podcast: https://pianopantry.com
Piano Pantry Podcast: https://pianopantry.com/podcast
Instagram: @pianopantryamy
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Everyday Musicality Podcast with Heather Shouldice
Music Learning Theory & the work of Edwin E. Gordon
Marilyn Lowe’s Keyboard Games from Music Moves for Piano

Amy Chaplin, Part 1: Finding your own way with Music Learning Theory

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Keys to Music Learning, we sit down with pianist, teacher, blogger, and podcaster Amy Chaplin for an honest and thoughtful conversation about her journey as a music educator. Amy shares how her background in choral education shaped her teaching, the moments that left her wanting more for her students, and how she eventually found her way to Music Learning Theory.

We talk about discovering MLT through graduate studies and professional development, the realities of experimenting with new approaches in the piano studio, and the freedom that comes from letting go of “doing it perfectly.” Amy offers practical insights into incorporating singing, audiation, creativity, and micro-progressions into lessons—while still honoring your own teaching style and your students’ needs.

This is a rich, relatable conversation for teachers who are curious about MLT, already using Music Moves for Piano, or simply looking for a more musical, flexible, and student-centered way forward.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive even deeper into Amy’s teaching practices and studio work.

Show Notes

Amy Chaplin
The Piano Pantry Podcast
Music Learning Theory (Edwin E. Gordon)
Music Moves for Piano (Marilyn Lowe)
Keyboard Games (Marilyn Lowe)
Professional Development Leadership Conference (PDLC)

James Kessler, Part 2: Beyond the Method: Audiation, Mentorship, and Centering the Child

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500

In Part Two of our conversation with musician and educator James Kessler, we dive deeper into what it really looks like to teach through audiation—across instruments, ages, and experience levels.

James shares candid reflections on his early discomfort with singing and movement, how vulnerability became a powerful teaching tool, and why mentorship is essential when learning to teach through Music Learning Theory. We explore meaningful connections between Music Moves for Piano, Jump Right In, and Developing Musicianship Through Improvisation, including how these approaches support advanced students, ensemble skills, improvisation, and true musical understanding.

This episode also honors the profound influence of Marilyn Lowe, especially her deep understanding of child development and her insistence on centering the needs of the student over the agenda of the teacher. The conversation is honest, practical, and at times emotional—offering reassurance to teachers who may feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or “behind,” and encouragement to trust the process.

Whether you teach piano, band, strings, mallet percussion, or are mentoring other teachers, this episode is a reminder that audiation-based teaching is not just for beginners—it’s a lifelong pathway to musicianship, joy, and connection.

James Kessler, Part 1: A Musical Journey Toward Audiation

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo welcome music educator James Kessler for a wide-ranging conversation about his musical journey and the experiences that shaped his audiation-centered teaching philosophy.

James shares his early immersion in classical music, his love of jazz and improvisation, and his winding path through performance, composition, and music education. Along the way, he reflects on sound-before-sight learning, solfege, human development, and how working with neurodiverse students deeply influenced his teaching.

Part 1 focuses on James’s background and the intuitive practices he used long before discovering Music Learning Theory—setting the stage for his eventual connection to audiation-based approaches such as Developing Musicianship through Improvisation, Jump Right In: The Instrumental Series, and Music Moves for Piano.

Developing Musicianship through Improvisation, by Christopher Azzara and Richard Grunow
Jump Right In: The Instrumental Series, by Richard Grunow, Edwin Gordon, and Christopher Azzara
Music Moves for Piano, by Marilyn Lowe

Auditory Processing Disorder with Gregory Chase: Part 2

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Hosts Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo welcome back Gregory Chase for part two of an in-depth discussion on Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—what it is, how it manifests in children and adults, and the surprising ways it can impact learning in and out of the piano studio. Greg shares his personal journey of discovery through his son’s experience, the diagnostic process, and how music, especially when grounded in Music Learning Theory (MLT), plays a pivotal role in remediation.

Ars Nova de Audiation

Music Moves for Kids

Auditory Processing Disorder with Gregory Chase: Part 1

Thu, 29 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this eye-opening episode of Keys to Music Learning, hosts Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo welcome back Gregory Chase for an in-depth discussion on Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—what it is, how it manifests in children and adults, and the surprising ways it can impact learning in and out of the piano studio. Greg shares his personal journey of discovery through his son’s experience, the diagnostic process, and how music, especially when grounded in Music Learning Theory (MLT), plays a pivotal role in remediation.

Educators and parents alike will gain valuable insights into spotting early signs of APD, approaching families with care, and tailoring music lessons to support neurodivergent students. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or simply curious, this episode will change the way you think about sound, learning, and the transformational power of music.

Getting to know Garik Pedersen: Part 2

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In Part 2 of our chat with Gary Pederson, we discuss his journey with Marilyn Lowe. He recounts meeting Marilyn at Missouri State University after a horseback riding accident, where she took over his classes, and how they collaborated on creating a preparatory department with music classes for young children. He also discusses the evolution of his teaching methods and the importance of audiation-based instruction, expressing optimism for its future.

Getting to know Garik Pedersen: Part 1

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Gary Pederson, a Steinway artist and former professor at Eastern Michigan University, shares his journey into music learning theory (MLT) and emphasizes the importance of audiation in teaching. He recounts his early musical experiences, including informal learning and formal lessons. Pederson also discusses the practical application of MLT with advanced students, focusing on memory and memorization, and the overuse of music notation, referencing Guido of Arezzo's historical context.

Notational Audiation: Deep Dive with Sarah Boyd

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Sarah Boyd joins Keys to Music Learning to discuss emergent music literacy, notational audiation, and effective strategies for teaching reading and writing with an audiation-based approach. In this episode, we discuss:

Sarah’s journey into researching music literacy
How emergent music literacy prepares students for notation
Key research findings on notational audiation and its cognitive processes
The role of keyboard feel in the reading and writing process
Practical activities for introducing notation informally
How Sarah integrates emergent literacy into her teaching
The impact of reading and writing book clubs for Sarah's students
Recommended resources for teachers looking to deepen their understanding

Listen now and discover new insights into music literacy!

Show Notes:

Books & Research Mentioned:

Research Studies:

The Mental Representation of Music Notation – Brodsky (2008)
Thinking in an Objective Measure of Notation-Evoked Sound Imagery (2018)
Emergent Music Literacy Study – Dr. Suzanne Burton

Practical Tools & Websites:

Thinking in Music Audiation Test
Eric Bluestine’s Blog
Music Learning Academy Webinars (featuring Sarah Boyd)

Connect with Sarah Boyd:

Instagram: @PianoVineStudio

Getting to know Eric Bluestine, author of The Ways Children Learn Music: Part 2

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Eric Bluestine returns to discuss the concept of partial synthesis and its crucial role in Music Learning Theory. He breaks down common misconceptions, explains how patterns connect to real music, and offers insights into fostering creativity and generalization in students. This conversation dives deep into the philosophy behind MLT and provides practical applications for piano teachers.

• Understanding partial synthesis and why it matters
• Addressing misconceptions about Music Learning Theory
• The significance of whole-part-whole learning in music education
• How generalization and creativity work together in musical development
• Practical strategies for integrating MLT in piano lessons
• Encouraging improvisation as a tool for deeper musical understanding
• The role of movement-based activities in reinforcing rhythm and tonality
• Exploring Eric’s blog and its impact on MLT discussions

LINKS

The Ways Children Learn Music, by Eric Bluestine
Blog: The Ways Children Learn Music, by Eric Bluestine

Getting to know Eric Bluestine, author of The Ways Children Learn Music: Part I

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Eric Bluestine shares his journey from vibrant public school music educator to private piano instructor, delving into the lessons learned along the way. The conversation focuses on adaptability in teaching methods, the importance of Music Learning Theory, and Eric's experiences writing a foundational book for music educators.

• Eric’s transition from public education to private lessons
• Reflecting on the challenges faced in music teaching
• The limitations of traditional page-by-page learning
• Strategies for engaging young students in music
• Introduction to Music Learning Theory and its significance
• The process of writing "The Ways Children Learn Music"
• Encouragement to rethink teaching practices in music
• Importance of fostering listening skills in students

Keyboard Technique: Deep Dive with Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson Part 3

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In the third and final deep dive into keyboard technique, Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson share heartwarming stories about their experiences with Marilyn Lowe, the creator of Music Moves for Piano. They also emphasize the benefits of incorporating group musicianship and choir into piano lessons, helping students progress faster and more holistically. By combining private lessons with group sessions, they foster technical development, aural skills, and social bonds, creating a dynamic, supportive learning environment for young musicians.

Keyboard Technique: Deep Dive with Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson Part 2

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Hannah and Krista continue their discussion with Celeste Watson and Scarlette Kerr, highlighting the significance of blending audiation, biomechanics, and research-based methods in piano teaching, emphasizing a growth mindset and the patience needed to see long-term benefits.

Scarlette's Webinars
The Embodiment of Rhythmic Audiation at the Piano
Technique and Young Beginners : Development of motor skills and application to Keyboard Games
The Technique Checklist: Sequencing Tips to Monitor and Guide Student Technical Development

Keyboard Technique: Deep Dive with Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson Part 1

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

After a summer off, we're back with a technical development deep dive. This episode, part 1 of 3, features a discussion centered around piano pedagogy, injury-preventative techniques, and Music Learning Theory (MLT). Hannah and Krista were delighted to speak with piano educators Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson, who share insights from their experiences and training in the Gordon Institute of Music Learning (GIML) and the Lister-Sink Injury Preventative Keyboard Technique program.

Scarlette's Webinars
The Embodiment of Rhythmic Audiation at the Piano
Technique and Young Beginners : Development of motor skills and application to Keyboard Games
The Technique Checklist: Sequencing Tips to Monitor and Guide Student Technical Development

Music Moves for Piano: Deep Dive with Janna Olson Part 3

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

In this last episode with Janna Olson, she discusses the amazing skills developed in Books 4 and 5 of Marilyn Lowe's Music Moves for Piano curriculum.

Use the code AUDIATE for 25% off Janna's webinars Learning through Play: Games and resources for activities to reinforce skills and build audiation and Beyond the Notes: An enriched aural approach to piano repertoire.

Links:
Janna's Q&A on the Music Learning Academy YouTube channel
Janna's community chat on the Keys to Music Learning Podcast - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Janna's mini-webinar on Music Aptitude on the Music Learning Academy YouTube channel

Music Moves for Piano: Deep Dive with Janna Olson Part 2

Thu, 09 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Hannah and Krista continue their chat with Janna Olson, finishing their conversation about the Music Moves for Piano Christmas books and moving on to a deep dive of Book 3.

Music Moves for Piano: Deep Dive with Janna Olson Part 1

Thu, 02 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this deep dive into the Music Moves for Piano curriculum, Krista and Hannah talk with Janna Olson, a veteran Music Moves teacher, about Marilyn Lowe's understanding of the skills needed to play repertoire and develop a love for music making, what exactly is high level music making, broadening the perspective of the piano teaching journey and the possibilities for students, and separating oneself from the "polished performance" goal of our culture.

Links:
Alberta Piano Teachers Association

Neuroscience: Deep dive with Gregory Chase Part 2

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In Part 2 of our episode with Gregory Chase, we dive into the neuroscience research that validates audiation based-music lessons. Everything from the science of BAH and BUM, the importance of rhythm in the first months of life, why it's important to sing songs many times in the same keyality and in various tonalities and meters, and why students make the same mistakes over and over and how we can support them.

Neuroscience: Deep dive with Gregory Chase Part 1

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

In part 1 of this deep dive, Gregory Chase joins Krista and Hannah to discuss how neuroscience can help us understand how children learn music, including structuring lesson time, the importance of first three years, and the impact of hormones on learning.

How the Brain Learns - David Sousa
Bright from the Start - Jill Stamm
Boy Smarts - Barry McDonald

Running an Audiation-Based Music School: Deep dive with Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie Part 2

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie continues the discussion with managing teachers and students, parental involvement in music lessons, the school's philosophy for practice, making music practice a habit, and the importance of discipline and joyful learning.

Running an Audiation-Based Music School: Deep dive with Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie Part 1

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

We are so excited to talk to Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie once again for our first episode of Season 3! In this episode, Sarah discusses her music school, Songs with Sarah, including the the importance of outreach, managing 10 teachers (including five Music Moves for Piano teachers) and 400 students, summer camps, and professional development. Whether or not you run a music school, this conversation will leave you eagerly waiting for Part II!

Songs with Sarah Music School
Songs with Sarah Music School on Instagram @songswithsarahmlps
Audiate! Play Guitar through Audiation by Enrique Andino, Stephen Gunter, and Michael Weyck
Keyboard Games: A comprehensive course - Krista’s course through Music Learning Academy

Season 3 is coming!

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

We are so excited to begin Season 3 of Keys to Music Learning! In this intro, Hannah and Krista discuss their summer highlights and the focus of the upcoming season. If you'd like to support the podcast, we'd love to have you join the community!

Community Chat with Jenny Fisher (Part 3)

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

In our final community chat episode with Jenny, she shares incredibly important advice for both new and seasoned teachers.

Webinar Links
Movement Motivators
Make Way for Play

Community Chat with Jenny Fisher (Part 2)

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jenny talks to Krista and Hannah about her class piano at Eastern Michigan University, including how Music Learning Theory has changed their performances and the structure and books she uses in class.

Webinar Links
Movement Motivators
Make Way for Play

Community Chat with Jenny Fisher (Part 1)

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Hannah and Krista talk to Jenny Fisher about her background and audiation journey. Jenny teaches functional piano classes for music majors/minors and group piano pedagogy at Eastern Michigan University and serves on the piano faculty for GIML (Gordon Institute for Music Learning).

Q&A with Krista and Hannah (Part 3)

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Hannah and and Krista discuss a variety of topics including how they choose repertoire, teaching students to improvise and compose over chord progressions, and ways to guide your own audiation development.

Links
Pattern Power: Learning Piano Repertoire through Rhythm and Tonal Pattern Play: A free mini-webinar by Hannah
Experimental Songs and Chants, by Edwin Gordon, Beth Bolton, Wendy Valerio, and Cynthia Taggert
Improving Musician, videos by Andy Mullen
PDLC: Professional Development Levels Course by Gordon Institute for Music Learning

Q&A with Krista and Hannah (Part 2)

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Hannah and Krista tackle questions talk about transitioning students to an audiation-based approach, reading ad writing music, and accelerated pacing of lesson plans.

Video
Overlapping Music Moves lessons with checklists

Q&A with Krista and Hannah (Part 1)

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Hannah and Krista answer questions from the the Facebook community! Topics include: books to get when first starting with Music Moves for Piano, what the mysterious "Create with TP" really means, and tips for recitals when students are in Keyboard Games and beyond.

Links:
Music Moves for Piano Books for getting started (Teacher's books and Student books)
Keyboard Games Teacher's Edition
Keyboard Games Student Book A (and B optional)
Book 1 Teacher's Lesson Plans
Student Book 1
Pattern CD (from GIAmusic)
Rhythm and Tonal Patterns from the Pattern CD Book

Community Chat with Greg Chase (Part 3)

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Our final episode with Gregory Chase explores advice for new teachers (remember...FIBAS), music aptitude testing, and Ars Nova, Greg's extensive resource for teaching notational audiation.

Music Learning Theory for Newborn and Young Children, by Edwin Gordon
An Overview of Music Aptitude, a free mini-webinar by Janna Olson
Ars Nova de Audiation, resources by Gregory Chase

Community Chat with Greg Chase (Part 2)

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we welcome back Greg Chase to talk about how he jumped into Music Moves for Piano, including his challenges and successes. Greg also discusses the importance of early childhood music, how neuroscience supports Gordon’s research, and the important tie between Music Learning Theory, auditory processing disorder, and language acquisition.

Community Chat with Greg Chase (Part 1)

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0500

We are so happy to have Gregory Chase as our next community chat guest, a piano instructor and researcher from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Greg maintains a piano teaching studio of around 20 students, of all ages and levels and has developed a comprehensive website to assist students in notational audiation. In this episode, he shares his musical background and how his interest in how children learn led him to discovering Music Learning Theory (with a chance encounter with our friend and last guest Janna Olson).

Books
Bright from the start, by Jill Stamm
Boy Smarts, by Barry MacDonald
The Ways Children Learn Music, by Eric Bluestine
Music Learning Theory for Newborn and Young Children, by Edwin Gordon
Learning Sequences in Music, by Edwin Gordon
Music Moves for Piano, by Marilyn Lowe

Community Chat with Janna Olson (Part 3)

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Janna shares her advice for new teachers, including overcoming the initial struggles, fearlessly stepping into musicianship development, enjoying the process, and how Dr. Gordon advised her to handle the overwhelm. Janna also talks about her thoughts on bringing music to life and her favorite thing about teaching using an audiation-based approach to piano teaching.

Book
Learning Sequences in Music, by Edwin E. Gordon

Webinars
Beyond the Notes: An enriched aural approach to piano repertoire
Learning through Play: Games and resources for activities to reinforce skills and build audiation

Community Chat with Janna Olson (Part 2)

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode with guest Janna Olson, Janna focuses on the audiation-based piano method Music Moves for Piano, including connections to repertoire, challenges she had when first implementing the method, reframing the definition of success, the difference between counting and feeling rhythm, the importance of movement and shifting weight, and answering the most common question parents ask - when will the students read?

Webinars
Beyond the Notes: An enriched aural approach to piano repertoire
Learning through Play: Games and resources for activities to reinforce skills and build audiation

Community Chat with Janna Olson (Part 1)

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500

Krista and Hannah are thrilled to welcome Janna Olson to the podcast. Janna has been using Music Moves for Piano in her studio for over 10 years. She is on the faculty of the Gordon Institute for Music Learning and is passionate about connecting piano pedagogy with recent research on how the musical mind works. In this episode, Janna discusses her music background, audiation journey, and how Dr. Gordon inspired her to dive into learning how her students learn music.

Webinars
Beyond the Notes: An enriched aural approach to piano repertoire
Learning through Play: Games and resources for activities to reinforce skills and build audiation

Community Chat with Felicity Breen (Part 3)

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0500

In her final episode, Felicity shares wonderful advice for new teachers (check out the links below) and reflects on how Music Learning Theory has made it possible for her to successfully bring music into the lives of every one of her students, regardless of music aptitude or ability.

The Ways Children Learn Music, by Eric Bluestine
Mind, Muscle, Music & Myth, by Ron Malanga
Keyboard Games Course
The Gordon Institute for Music Learning
The Improving Musician, with Andy Mullen
Everyday Musicality, with Heather Shouldice
Music Moves for Piano
Introduction to Audiation-Based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano
Music Moves for Piano Teachers (for teachers actively using the materials)

Community Chat with Felicity Breen (Part 2)

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Felicity discusses how she introduced Music Moves for Piano to her students and why she chose to delay telling parents. She also talks about specific challenges, such as overcoming the newness of moving, singing, and chanting and successes, such as her increased retention rate, the comfort students have at her recitals, and teaching a very special person in her life to play.

Notation Observations for Little Gems Pieces
Keyboard Games Course

Community Chat with Felicity Breen (Part 1)

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Hannah and Krista welcome Felicity Breen from Perth, Australia. Felicity shares her music background, including why, despite having a wonderful piano teacher in her younger years, she stopped playing and how she came back to it. She also discusses the questions that led her to music learning theory and how her teaching goals changed after learning about audiation.

Community Chat with Scarlette Kerr (Part 3)

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Scarlette talks about why she loves teaching using an audiation-based piano method and what it brings to the table that other methods might not.

Music Moves for Piano
Music Learning Academy

Community Chat with Scarlette Kerr (Part 2)

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Scarlette discusses the challenges of an audiation-based piano studio, and what she does to be one step ahead of parents questions and concerns. She also talks about the magic moments and how beautifully Music Moves for Piano complements her approach to technique.

Community Chat with Scarlette Kerr (Part 1)

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Meet Scarlette Kerr! Scarlette is a piano teacher in North Carolina who specializes in the Barbara Lister-Sink method of technique. In this episode, she talks about her audiation journey and how Music Learning Theory and Music Moves for Piano captured her attention.

Music Learning Academy
Gordon Institute for Music Learning
The Ways Children Learn Music by Eric Bluestine
Audiation in the Wild podcast with Eric Rasmussen and Beau Taillefer

Community Chat with Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie (Part 3)

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

In our final episode with early childhood and piano instructor, Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie, we talk about teaching Music Moves for Piano, including the challenges and joys of learning the method. Sarah also gives great advice to those just getting started with teaching piano with an audiation-based approach.

Community Chat with Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie (Part 2)

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

In our second episode with Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie, we talk about the importance of early childhood music, running an audiation-based music school, and how to be one step ahead of skeptical parents.

Early Audiation: Creating a musical bath for our littlest learners

Community Chat with Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie (Part 1)

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Hannah and Krista resume their community chats with Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie, owner and director of Songs with Sarah, a music school in Minneapolis offering audiation-based early childhood and piano classes. In this episode, Sarah talks about her audiation journey and discovery of Music Learning Theory and Music Moves for Piano.

Marilyn White Lowe

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400

On September 16, 2022, we lost our dear friend and mentor Marilyn Lowe. Words cannot express how much she will be missed.

Community Chat with Sarah Boyd (Part 3)

Thu, 05 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400

In the final episode with Sarah, she discusses the importance of continuing education and her experiences as she completes her graduate degree and heals playing related injuries with Dr. Barbara Lister-Sink. Our chat concludes with great advice from Sarah about how to balance it all and suggestions for getting started with audiation-based piano teaching.

Community Chat with Sarah Boyd (Part 2)

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Sarah discusses tackling those first challenges of starting an audiation-based piano studio, including what she learned about diving in head first, how to communicate with skeptical parents, and words of wisdom that kept her going when she questioned her decision to use Music Moves for Piano.

Community Chat with Sarah Boyd (Part 1)

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400

In the first of three episodes, Sarah reflects on her audiation journey and how she introduced audiation-based piano teaching into her studio.

Community Chat with Bo Yon Koh (Part 3)

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Bo Yon talks about handling parent skepticism and her favorite thing about audiation-based piano instruction. She also gives not-to-be-missed advice to teachers just getting started!

Community Chat with Bo Yon Koh (Part 2)

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Bo Yon shares her teaching philosophy, what sets Music Moves for Piano apart from other piano methods, and the challenges of running an audiation-based piano studio.

Community Chat with Bo Yon Koh (Part 1)

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Meet Bo Yon Koh, accomplished pianist and co-director of the community music school of Music Inside Out in Toronto, Canada.

In this episode, Bo Yon reflects on her audiation journey and how she introduced audiation-based piano teaching into her studio.

Community Chat with Paul Jensen (Part 3)

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Paul talks about 4inspiration.org, a growing community that supports audiation-based piano studios with fun and creative recitals and events for students.

Community Chat with Paul Jensen (Part 2)

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0500

In our second episode with Paul Jensen, we discuss the value of Music Learning Theory in the piano lesson and why the piano can be considered the composer's instrument.

Community Chat with Paul Jensen (Part 1)

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Meet Paul Jensen, a piano teacher in San Antonio, TX, and a wonderful member of the Music Moves for Piano community that Hannah and Krista met at the 2018 GIML PDLC. In this episode, Paul shares his audiation journey and experiences teaching MM4P to his own three children.

What is a PDLC? with Andy Mullen

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500

What a joy talking to, the one and only, Andy Mullen about GIML PDLC’s and the upcoming Piano Level 1 and 2 courses in Burlington, MA. Listen and learn about what a PDLC is, logistics of the summer courses, how you can register, and why you should consider attending. Even if it’s not in the cards for you this summer, this is a great conversation with an important member of our audiation community.

If you have any questions for Andy about the PDLC this summer in Burlington, MA (Piano Level 1, Piano Level 2, or Elementary General), contact him at amullen@bpsk12.org.

Key to Music Learning: Community

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0500

In the kick-off episode of Season 2, Hannah and Krista discuss the importance of community and how the community of audiation-based piano teachers has helped them over the years.

Season 2 is on its way!

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0500

It's time for Season 2 of Keys to Music Learning. Listen to this short trailer to find out what this season will bring (we are SO excited)!

Celebrating Creativity: The Season 1 Student Recital Finale

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In the Season 1 finale of the podcast, Hannah and Krista share performances of their student's compositions, improvisations, and arrangements. Sit back and enjoy this first Keys to Music Learning recital!

But when do they read?

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Hannah discusses how audiation-based piano instruction approaches reading music notation and gives an overview of the Reading and Writing Music Notation Books 1-3.

What do I do with these patterns?

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 03:00:00 -0400

During formal instruction, it is vital that we teach our students rhythm and tonal pattern vocabularies. These "words" of music are necessary for understanding and audiation. In this episode, Krista and Hannah discuss two important supplements for building pattern vocabularies in Music Moves for Piano Books 1-5, the Pattern CD and the Rhythm and Tonal Patterns from the Pattern CD book (also known as the Pattern Book).

What's in these books? Part III

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Hannah and Krista discuss the performance pieces of Music Moves for Piano Books 1-5, including the evolution of the checklist, the role of the folk tunes, and the connections of the pieces to piano repertoire.

What's in these books? Part II

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Krista and Hannah discuss the Music Moves for Piano Exploration/Creativity/Improvisation projects, including why creating is important, how to use the student book and teacher's lesson plan activities, and the scope of the activities from books 1 through 5.

What's in these books? Part I

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Hannah and Krista talk about the first two sections of the Music Moves for Piano lesson plan units. Dive into Activity Time, as Krista describes the activities seen in each unit, including pattern instruction and the Song to Sing, and discusses how these activities develop and support audiation growth through the books. Then, Hannah tackles Keyboard Geography and Technique, with an in depth look at the importance of cadences and arpeggios and how the musical alphabet may not be the best place to begin.

Key to Music Learning: Formal Instruction

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, the second in a series on formal instruction, Krista discusses Gordon’s definition of formal instruction, how it differs from informal guidance, and how tonal and rhythm patterns are used to teach students to sing, chant, perform, create, read, and write music with understanding.

Am I a Good Teacher?

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Hannah discusses a few vital realizations she has had in recent years while teaching her students formally using Music Moves for Piano books 1 and above. She also gives a brief overview of a formal Music Moves lesson to set the stage for this series.

Intermission

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Hannah and Krista discuss taking a short break from the podcast to focus on playing events, workshops, vacation (yay!), and the next Keys to Music Learning series on formal instruction AND summer learning opportunities at Music Learning Academy. We hope to see you at Book Club or Study Group!

Guiding Older Beginners and Adults

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode, the last in the series of teaching beginners, we take the three main informal guidance activities, activity time, performance pieces, and improvisation, and discuss how they can be "repackaged" in a way appropriate for older students.

Time to Improvise

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Looking to bring creativity and improvisation into your beginner piano lessons? In this episode, we give you ways to bring improvisation into your studio with fun and engaging activities that your students will love. Don't forget to download "Time to Improvise," an activity you can do with your students in your very next lesson!

Playful Prep for Piano Rep

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Before playing a piano piece, preparing your student with playful and purposeful activities can ensure a positive and successful experience. In this episode, the fourth in a series of teaching audiation-based piano to beginners, we focus on five elements that guide students to learn performances pieces in meaningful, fun-filled, and frustration-free ways.

Be sure to download the workbook that accompanies this episode from the show notes! In it, you will find the five steps discussed in the episode as well as preparation activity ideas.

Songs, Chants, and Movement...Oh My!

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, the third in a series of teaching audiation-based piano to beginners, we focus on a part of the lesson called activity time, an important part of the lesson for acculturation to tonalities, meters, singing, chanting, patterns, and different types of movement to develop tonal and rhythm audiation.

If this is completely new to you, take it one song, one chant, one pattern, or one movement at a time. There is no rush.

But if you keep up with it, you will notice something. Your students will become more independent, free, and creative. They will feel comfortable singing, chanting, and making music. They will learn to coordinate their breath and bodies, and keep a steady beat naturally. They will begin to understand.

Be sure to download the workbook that accompanies this episode! In it, you will find ideas to help you create an Activity Time for beginner piano lessons, including songs, chants, tonal patterns, rhythm patterns, and movement.

Key to Music Learning: Informal Guidance

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Krista defines informal guidance, a necessary type of instruction that guides students to learn how to audiate, and discusses what it looks like in a piano lesson with Marilyn Lowe's Keyboard Games, part of the Music Moves for Piano method.

A Missing Piece in Piano Lessons

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Hannah discusses the importance of informal guidance in piano lessons, how it prepares her students for formal instruction, and the positive impact of providing a rich musical environment that guides music learning with play, freedom to explore, and appropriate technique.

Key to Music Learning: Sequence

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we take a step back and look at the big picture of Music Learning Theory to answer this question: How does one learn music?

Why can't they do it?

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 18:00:00 -0500

Have you ever wondered why your student just isn’t getting something? Perhaps they are having a really hard time reading music, keeping a steady beat, or playing a specific rhythm. Chances are you can find your answer in sequencing. In this episode, Hannah shares experiences from her studio that highlight the importance of knowing and utilizing Gordon’s learning sequence and how sequencing helps when choosing activities and piano repertoire to support success and alleviate frustration.

Key to Music Learning: Audiation

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Episode 1.3: In this episode, Krista defines what is means to understand music through audiation, as defined by Dr. Edwin E. Gordon. Make sure to listen through to the end to step into Krista's piano lessons and hear three activity examples with a student: resting tone, patterns, and improvisation.

Finding the Way: Hannah's Audiation Journey

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Episode 1.2: In this episode, Hannah talks about how she trialed audiation-based activities in her piano studio for many years before fully committing to Music Learning Theory in her piano instruction. Learn what changes she saw in her students, and her own musicianship, through this transition.

Road to Understanding: Krista's Audiation Journey

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Episode 1.1: In this episode, host Krista Jadro talks about her experiences with Music Learning Theory and gives listeners three ideas to support learning more about audiation-based piano instruction.

Trailer

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Full episodes begin on February 4, 2021! Join Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo in this one minute introduction to Keys to Music Learning, the podcast dedicated to helping piano teachers unlock their students' musical potential with audiation.