Episode Overview

In this episode of the Piano Pedagogy Podcast, Jacqueline Beckoff and Arianne Lakra return to their roots at CSU Fullerton, sharing their latest ventures and the profound connections music education fosters between teacher, student, and community. Delving into the seasonality of piano lessons, they explore strategies to engage students year-round, mitigating the summer learning dip and leveraging holidays and seasons to enrich the learning experience. From discussing their own musical journeys to offering innovative ideas for seasonal teaching, this episode is a treasure trove for educators seeking to invigorate their teaching methods and deepen their impact.

Watch it on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcasting app.

Episode Notes

Throughout the episode, Jacqueline and Arianne share personal anecdotes and professional insights, weaving together a narrative that celebrates the resilience and adaptability of music educators. They touch upon:

• The Impact of Seasonality on Piano Lessons: Strategies to keep students engaged during the summer and ideas for leveraging seasons and holidays to enrich lessons.
• Innovative Teaching Approaches: From using technology like Zoom for maintaining lessons with traveling students to creative summer camp ideas. 
• Exploring Diversity in Music: A call for a broader inclusion of compositions from diverse backgrounds, challenging the conventional curriculum to reflect a wider array of voices and stories.

Highlights

• Seasonal Teaching Strategies: The importance of maintaining engagement during off-peak seasons and practical tips for preventing summer learning loss.
• Leveraging Technology in Music Education: How tools like Zoom can transform the teaching landscape, offering flexibility and continuity.
• The Richness of Musical Diversity: Emphasizing the need to introduce students to a wide spectrum of composers and musical traditions beyond the traditional Western canon.
• Personal Reflections and Professional Growth: The hosts share insights into their growth as educators, the challenges they've faced, and the joys of connecting with students on a deeper level.

Episode Recap

This episode not only delves into the cyclic nature of piano lessons but also celebrates the journey of continuous learning and adaptation that defines the music teaching profession. Jacqueline and Arianne's thoughtful discussion on overcoming seasonal challenges, embracing technology, and diversifying music education offers valuable perspectives for fellow educators. Their shared experiences underscore the profound impact that music teachers can have on their students' lives, inspiring a new generation of musicians and educators.