Of Musical Tenderness, Spring Productivity & Skill Maxing​
​Thrive in Three, Opus. 6

Musical Tenderness

A piano solo by Jeff Millis transported me into a place of expressive thoughtfulness this past year. I learned it during our student “Practice-a-Thon” this winter, with the goal of learning and recording it within a short timeline.

It’s become a favourite to return to this Spring—and a special reminder that music can carry us into such a wide range of emotions. It’s a gift to nurture that kind of expression in our students, too.

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Do Not Linger After Goodbye by Jeff Millis
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What music has been calling you to the piano lately?

Spring Productivity

I used to think Spring was the toughest season to be a music teacher.

Sports, dance recitals, the pull of sunshine—and a collective rush outdoors to celebrate the warmth. Not exactly the ideal atmosphere for consistent practice… or so I thought.

In the last few years, I’ve come to see Spring differently. It’s actually the perfect season for creativity. The extra light, renewed sense of energy, and brighter days all work in our favour.

How are you embracing creativity with your students this Spring?

Skill Maxxing

Definition: Skill maxing (or “maxxing”) refers to the process of optimizing or maximizing a specific skill or ability to its highest potential.

I heard this term recently and started thinking about how we can encourage students to really dial in their focus and effort on a specific skill.

Big goals can feel overwhelming—like “become an epic, amazing piano player and make all my friends jealous.” But narrowing that down into smaller, focused “micro-maxxing” goals can be far more effective (and motivating).

I’ll be brainstorming alongside my students—things like refining tone in one piece, mastering a tricky rhythm, or improving sight-reading consistency.

What are some specific, tangible ways your students could focus their efforts to improve their music-making this Spring?

We all know that progress is one of the best springboards into enjoyment.

What’s something you’ve been struggling with in your teaching lately? I’d love to help.