100 tips for working with pianists #6: Cover mistakes gracefully
Sometimes, an exercise can go horribly wrong because the pianist simply can’t find music which is suitable for it. If this happens, move quickly on to the next exercise and…
100 tips for working with pianists #5: Don’t side with the pianist against the class
Some teachers reach a point of exasperation with an unruly class where they say something like “You’re wasting my time, and Miss X’s. Your behaviour is an insult to her…
100 tips for working with pianists #4: Make eye-contact possible
Make sure that you regularly stand in a position that enables you to keep your lines of communication with the pianist open, even if it’s only for a moment. The…
100 tips for working with pianists #3: Make sure everyone knows who’s in charge of tempo
As the teacher in your class, you are in charge both of the music and the dancers/students. Make sure everyone knows that if dancers don’t like the speed the pianist…
100 tips for working with pianists #2: Use your pianists’ name
Go straight up to your pianist the first time you work with them, introduce yourself saying “Hi, my name is ……”, find out what name your pianist prefers to be…
100 tips for working with pianists #1: Give feedback
It doesn’t matter how experienced the pianist is, or how inexperienced you are – give feedback. When a pianist plays something you like, something that works well for an exercise,…