My Alphabet Memory Cards

I came up with my own alphabet memory game. Yes, there are tons of them out there but these have a unique twist. When I was a scrapbook designer, I was known as the Maltese Scrapper. A dog was part of my designer logo which you see on the WILD CARD below.

At home I have two little Maltese dogs named Ruffles and Louie. My students love them. In fact, some students like to have Ruffles sit on the piano bench during their lesson and their parents like to have them sit in their laps in the waiting area. In my designer years one of my trademarks was to have a picture of Ruffles dressed up to match the theme of whatever kit they were purchasing.

So I combined my old scrapbook designed pictures of Ruffles with the music alphabet you see below. They are available if you'd like to have a copy of them for yourself.

Just click the picture to download. Hope you like them.

Finale Notation Software

If you haven't started charting your own music, this is a great place to start.

When I was teaching music and technology in an elementary school setting - with my personal obsession for everything to look "professional", it was evident that hand written tests and choral arrangements would not do. Then one of my school parents told me about Notepad that her church music director used. After searching the internet I found that it was called Finale Notepad. 

On their website there are several different options available including a free download of notation software. The big question is "how user friendly is it?" The resounding answer is "VERY".  Even under time constraints and unfamiliarity with the software I was able to print out some wonderful looking work. In fact, because of this software, I was able to write and publish an instruction book on playing a song flute.

So if you're ready to branch out and start making your own worksheets, sheet music, scales, etc. Why not check it out.

Music Treasures

For as long as I can remember, my mother has been giving me little music gifts. I thought it would be fun to list some of them: clocks, rulers, kitchen towels, pot holders, ice cube trays, staplers, tape dispensers, note pads - the list could go on forever. We always picked things up when we saw them because music gifts are not always easy to find. Especially now with so many music stores closing down, it's become even more difficult.

Then I stumbled upon the Music Treasures website. They have a little bit of everything from music gifts and toys, to instruments, clothing, awards and other teacher resources.

Hope this helps.

b

Flashcards - Piano Discoveries

I have to revisit this helpful website once again.

Over time I have collected flashcards from other teachers, from books and even made my very own - trying to find a set of all the major topics I wanted my students to drill on. The more time that I spent on the Piano Discoveries website the more I realized that all I needed to find in flashcards was in one place. In the bloggers words:

This is your lucky day! You have just stumbled upon a flashcard goldmine! Print all eight levels for a complete set to challenge your students from year to year. This resource is very easy and affordable to make. Simply print the files on heavy card stock paper and cut along the dotted lines. Easy!

I was so excited when my new printer drum arrived yesterday. I spent the rest of the day printing and cutting in preparation for yesterday's students. Now it's time to close for my voice/piano student who is about to arrive. Just wanted to make sure you gave this site another look.

Piano Discoveries

Piano Discoveries is a blog by Anne Crosby Gaudet. She has some of the most creative, colorful Teaching Aids and resources I've seen yet. She has a video series on You Tube called the Barnyard Friends with accompanying game board and workbook for teaching the treble clef, bass clef and grand staff with notes. It's perfect for first lessons with young children.

Check this blog out when you have time to sit back and take it all it.