Key Ideas

Episode #71 is the last episode of season three and MAYBE the LAST episode of Key Ideas as you know it. Tune in to hear how I came to that decision. The process I share could be just the nudge you need to stop saying YES when you really mean NO! As a token of my appreciation for your lovely support, grab the FREE download HERE and make your own Freedom Compass I mention in the episode.  Thank you SO much for listening to Key Ideas! I am grateful for your time, your ears, and your lovely support over the past three seasons. Leila

Episode #70 spotlights the brilliance of Marie Lee. You get to learn her secrets about how she prepares students for festivals in a group setting. She has honed a system that sets students up for success and who frequently receive high marks and even honors. Marie's strategies can also be applied in private lessons and will help your students repeatedly earn superiors at local performance events. Listen to the end, as some freebies and coupons tie in with Marie's advice. Head to the show notes HERE  to sign up for the Group IlluminatED conference and to get a free Emoji rating chart with instructions on how to use this in early-level group lessons.  

Episode #69 features my conversation with the brilliant Andrea Miller. Perhaps you've already been an avid fan of her podcast, Music Studio Startup, enrolled in her courses, or heard one of her many timely presentations at national conferences. In this episode, Andrea shares how she developed her career straddling music and business–in my days, those never came as a package deal. You'll learn about the tools she's designed to help music teachers who resist the business side of their profession to manage their studios. We cover some common mistakes teachers make when it comes to running their studios, and you'll appreciate her wisdom on how she balances her life as an entrepreneur, wife, and mom. Head to the show notes to get links to Andrea's site and course and to save your spot at the Composium.

In episode #68, you eavesdrop on my conversation with piano teacher and pioneer Carly Walton. If you aren't familiar with Carly and her story, you'll be blown away by her incredible timing back in 2019. When most of us were comfortable teaching in our brick-and-mortar studios, she was among the first to explore the possibilities of teaching piano online. When March 2020 hit, Carly had no idea that her expertise would become a beacon for teachers forced to pivot and face the vast frontier of online teaching. Today she encourages teachers to build their online studios at her membership site, Teach Music Online. Listen in as Carly recommends her favorite tools for teaching online, simple activities to engage students, and tips for getting new students online or in person. I gained some significant tips from Carly, and I know you will, too. Head to the show notes to learn more about Carly HERE. Save your spot at the COMPOSIUM HERE.

This is Episode #67 in which you are privileged to learn from Brenna Berman. Already an avid performer at the age of seven, Brenna's promising career as a pianist was almost shut down by the pain and injuries she sustained from playing the piano. In fact, one of her college professors suggested Brenna find another career path. In our conversation, you learn how Brenna overcame her injuries and why she is now a leading expert in the Taubman approach. Weaved through the interview, Brenna touches on topics like enhancing our intuition, transcending the traditions of playing from a score, the six main things that cause injuries in pianists, and the foundational technique tools we can implement in our lessons even with our beginning students. Head to the show notes so that you can learn more about Brenna's upcoming workshop. Also, make sure to get your free sheet music from Wendy Stevens and set up your free account at Fortelessons. Go to SHOWNOTES!

Episode #66 is my conversation with Canadian journalist Adriana Barton. Adriana just released her new book called Wired For Music in which she shares her search for health and joy through music. Due to unfortunate circumstances and extraordinary connections, I am privileged to have connected with Adriana and now share our conversation with you. It's a significant honor that Adriana includes our family's story in her book! In this episode, you hear the story of how Adriana and I connected. Next, Adriana discusses her quest to establish a healthy relationship with music after a childhood of relentless practice toward perfection left her injured and joyless. “Drawing from neuroscience, anthropology and evolutionary biology, my book argues that music is much more than entertainment or a rarefied artform: It's an age-old system to boost human health, connect us to each other (even at a chemical level) and add meaning, resilience and joy.” -Adriana Barton Follow THIS LINK for the show notes to get your free FORTE account and your free sheet music from WENDY STEVENS.      

This is episode #65 which is part two of my conversation with good friend and colleague.  Have you observed behavior in students who indicate that they may learn differently or are neurodivergent, but you can't target how to guide them? Are you looking for tips and resources on how to help students with anxiety? Then start listening now! In this episode, Dr. Emily McGree and I continue our discussion on how to respond to a child who's disrupting the class and how to talk with parents about their child who is showing behaviors that may indicate unique patterns in learning. We discuss the sensitivity required when approaching neurodivergent behaviors in group situations and focus on how to approach students who exhibit anxiety.  Make sure to back up to episode #64 for part one of this conversation so you don't miss a thing. And...head to the show notes HERE for FREE sheet music from Wendy Stevens of ComposeCreate.com. Remember to use "keyideas" to get your free sheet music!  

Episode # 64 is part one of my conversation with Dr. Emily McGree. If you've heard the term neurodivergent but aren't sure what it means, or if you have observed behavior in students that indicate that they may learn differently, but you can't target how to guide them, or if you are in need of resources for how to help students with anxiety, then stay tuned! Emily has so much to share and you will find her insight and advice incredibly valuable as you teach privately or in groups. Thank you to Wendy Stevens for her generous support of Key Ideas. I know that if you try just one piece you'll see why Wendy Steven's music is known as Music Kids Love.® I'm thrilled that Wendy is offering to give any Key Ideas listener a popular, big-sounding elementary piece called "The Bold Escape" for free! I think you and your students will love it! Use coupon code keyideas to download your free sheet music of "The Bold Escape" from Wendy Stevens HERE.

This is episode #63 in which I talk with innovators Mark Murtagh and Hunter McGranahan. Together they founded ForteLessons.com. After years of settling on Zoom, I tried Forte and noticed an immediate difference and improved sound quality. You hear about the vision and work behind the scenes in our conversation. It's clear that the intentions of this small company are not only to be a free alternative to Zoom, but much more.  Curious how they intend to keep Forte free? They have BIG plans so listen in... Head to the show notes to set up YOUR FREE account HERE.

This first episode of 2023 features a conversation based on something rockstar piano teacher Andrea Zimmerman revealed to me in an email.  Have I sparked your curiosity? Hint, Andrea shares why she and her husband can afford to take ten weeks off every summer to travel.  No spoiler alert here, you'll have to listen to learn her story. Stay tuned for fantastic ideas to keep your studio relevant in the 21st century. And make sure to listen to the end when you get to hear Andrea sing for us. You'll be swooning!   Grab the show notes HERE.   Episode #62 is sponsored by Forte, a free alternative to Zoom built for teaching music. Follow this link to learn more.

In episode #61, the last one to drop in 2022, I share a few of my favorite things that have gotten me through this postpandemic world. If you know me well, I don't prefer the phrase silver linings but some of the favorite things I share today come close to silver linings. The list bundles favorites for my business and personal life in no particular order. From a favorite recipe to bar soap to the top tools for my business, you're in store for an eclectic list and some clever tips, too. Make sure to head to the SHOW NOTES for ALL the links.

Episode #60 features part two of my interview with Vanessa Cornett. It picks up where we left off so it's important to head back to episode #59 if you haven't taken in all of Dr. Cornett's insight and advice about healthy disengagement. Make sure to catch her descriptions of disidentification affirmation and detaching with compassion—especially as musicians–these mental frameworks could provide just the lift your self-compassion needs. In this second part of our conversation, Vanessa explains how to re-engage with resistance–like salmon swimming upstream. Personally, I've noticed that her timely and timeless wisdom in these two episodes has served as a tune-up for my emotional well-being. My guess is that it may do the same for you. By the end of this episode, you, too, will feel empowered with strategies to help you mindfully navigate your way upstream in this postpandemic world. Head to the show notes for links to Vanessa's book and Perry's Party Piano Camp!

Episode #59 features my one-on-one discussion with the enlightening Dr. Vanessa Cornett. You'll want to eavesdrop on every second! From the start, it was clear that I'd have to split our conversation into two episodes because Vanessa has countless insights to share about our collective journey through a global pandemic. As we enter into a postpandemic world (BTW, the Wallstreet Journal uses NO hyphen!) Vanessa offers some stellar reflections on what we can take with us and what we can leave behind. In part one, you hear Vanessa identify eight dimensions of well-being and explain the benefits of healthy disengagement. Yes, apparently, that is a thing. Stay tuned in episode #60 for part two of our conversation where we discuss re-engaging with resistance. Yes, apparently that's a thing, too! Make sure to head to the SHOW NOTES to learn more about Vanessa and her book The Mindful Musician.  And there's a link to save your spot at the Composium!

Episode #58 is a SOLO spotlight episode with special guest host Dorla Aparicio. Dorla shares her unique and tried and true approach to group teaching. I use the phrase tried and true because Dorla is a pioneer in the field of group teaching. She is always so generous with her expertise based on her past experiences. Her sage advice is ideal if you are considering group lessons or are already sold on them. Dorla even provides samples of the music she uses for her pyramid approach to teaching multi-levels in one group. And you won't want to miss her explanation of the GROUP acronym she uses to help her formulate her philosophy and structure her lessons.  Grab your free e-book featuring the multi-level ensemble Dorla explains in the episode at the show notes HERE.  

As a child, Emile Pandolfi was passionate about playing and creating at the piano.  His passion turned into a life-long career. His story is an inspiration and he serves as a role model to us as well as our students. Emile proves that you CAN carve out a career as a performing artist even if it doesn't follow the expected path. In this episode, Emile shares how his music-making expanded and has withstood the test of time. Despite massive changes in technology over the past decades–-remember cassette tapes and CDS?--and the squeeze of a global pandemic, Emile continues to overcome and reinvent and stay loyal to his childhood passion and his work. You'll enjoy his take on technique, performance, and practice! Head to the show notes to get Emile's book Play it Like You Mean It. Look for the link so you can listen to Emily on Spotify or Pandora. And...make sure to try Forte and earn the chance to get a $50 Amazon gift card. LINK TO SHOW NOTES  

Episode #56 is the second SOLO spotlight episode with special guest host Janna Carlson. If you missed her first one you MUST Head to #54 to hear her first spotlight episode. You'll learn the two reasons why Key Ideas now includes spotlight episodes and it sheds light on why Janna speaks with such authority when it comes to piano teaching, online lessons, and websites.   In this episode, Janna gets specific and shares how you can use your website to bring more freedom to your life as a music teacher. Yes, freedom!   Janna's four tips will also support you if you simply want to grow your studio to the next level.   Find links to the resources Janna mentioned and learn more about her course by following THIS LINK to the show notes. Enrollment opens October 26, 2022 - make sure to grab your spot!

Notice the title does not say how to talk TO students. It uses the word WITH instead. The word WITH seems more appropriate because learning an instrument requires instruction but also an exchange of words, an interaction between the teacher and the student. In this episode, I sift through top resources and collect advice or more specifically, a vocabulary from various experts. My discoveries are reduced to a short list of suggestions which is by no means a comprehensive list but it's a place to begin. Head to the show notes HERE for links to the books and articles mentioned in the episode.

This episode is a FIRST for Key Ideas! It's because I made a pact with myself to work smarter and not harder. You can hear this proclamation back in my season opener, episode #48.  So instead of a conversation that can often become cluttered with "extras", this episode lets website guru Janna Carlson get right to her fascinating story. Her tale comes with twists and turns as a piano teacher turned website designer. And her gift to you? Janna shares what she calls her "piano teacher's big life-change toolbox." The tools that she stumbled upon through her ups and downs may be just what you need for your studio! Head to the show notes HERE for all the resources mentioned and a coupon code for Janna's course. I can't recommend it enough!

It's puzzling why it's taken three seasons for me to schedule Chrissy Ricker as a guest. Her pieces are played in just about every one of my lessons. Students beg me to play her music–I'm not kidding! In our conversation, you'll learn how Chrissy naturally fell into composing and the three standards that each of her pieces must pass before they find their way into our studios and into our student's delighted hands. You'll adore her teaching tips, too. I promise you are in for a treat! Head to the show notes (CLICK HERE) Find links to ALL of Chrissy's music. Look for a link to Kay Lowry's store at LeilaViss.com and make sure to use the DISCOUNT CODE! See you in the trenches, Leila  

Here's another episode where we don't hold back! Charlene and I provide a list of THE TOP Halloween music for piano solos and ensembles, too. Head to the show notes to grab the downloadable list of all the music featured.  The list is organized according to level and includes links to videos and where to purchase the sheet music.  Also, grab Twinkle with a Twist while it's on sale. Follow THIS link for the show notes!

Inspired by the book The Checklist Manifesto by Dr. Atul Gawande, this episode takes a deep dive into the power of checklists and how many professions use them to overcome complex common problems.  Learn how piano teachers can harness the power of checklists to overcome the complex problem of practicing! The show notes include a download of three checklists--one for teachers, students and their parents--that initiate a powerful yet simple team approach to practice. Follow this link for all the checklists and show notes.

Episode #50 is part two of my chat with one of my most popular guests, rock star piano teacher, and innovative pedagogue Charlene Shelzi Jarvis. Tune in as we continue our round up our favorite ensemble pieces from a variety of composers –not just one publisher--and we even play portions of them. The episode comes paired with a carefully organized list of pieces that features the titles and composers with links to videos and where to purchase the music. The list alone is worth its weight in gold so make sure to head to the show notes AFTER you listen in. Our conversation begins in episode #49. Make sure to listen in and get tips from Charlene for prepping a successful ensemble concert. And, I've got 4 parameters to follow when choosing a piece for any special occasion.   Follow THIS LINK to download your list!   From sponsor Tim Topham! Join the TopMusicPro community, on a 14 day all-access FREE trial by heading to https://topmusicpro.com and using code TEAMLEILA. You'll also get ongoing discount access after your trial for as long as you remain a member. Find out more about the TopMusic blog, podcast and videos over at topmusic.co.

Episode #49 is part one of two and features the first of several chats with one of my most popular guests, rock star piano teacher and innovative pedagogue Charlene Shelzi Jarvis. Tune in as we round up our favorite ensemble pieces from a variety of composers –not just one publisher--and we even play portions of them. The episode comes paired with a carefully organized list of pieces that features the titles and composers with links to videos and where to purchase the music. The list alone is worth its weight in gold so make sure to head to the show notes AFTER you listen in. Our conversation begins with tips from Charlene for prepping a successful ensemble concert and I've got 4 parameters to follow when choosing a piece for any special occasion.   Follow THIS LINK to download your list!

Season 3 of Key Ideas begins with a train of thought around the theme of realignment. Next, it travels to the idea that establishing certain habits are better than setting goals. And then it connects these insights on realignment and habits to how we as music teachers can nudge our students back into the habit of practice. Wondering how it all ties together? Then you better listen up! ;-) Links to the teachers, podcasts, and products mentioned in the episode are in the show notes. OH and...don't forget to grab the FREE Practice Rating Chart! Follow THIS LINK.

This last episode covers a wide range of topics including The “termination” of a book I wrote ten years ago. Apps that withstood the test of time. Letter to parents about Off Bench Time. BRAND new digital course on all things CHORDS. Dynamic professional development opportunities. FREE! Group lesson planner template—sheesh, what took me so long! Why I'm compelled to write another book. For all the links and freebies I mention follow THIS LINK!  

Thank you for showing up at Key Ideas wherever you find your podcasts like Apple and Spotify. A couple of weeks ago, my Aussie friend Sam Coates of Blitz Books invited me to be part of a webinar she held called “Preparing Your Best Performance.” I was honored to be one of four adjudicators she interviewed and our conversation went longer than the allotted ten minutes she reserved for me. Yeah, we got a little carried away! Since Sam could only use part of our talk in her webinar, I'm pleased to share our entire conversation here on the podcast.  Sam asks questions about what I look for when evaluating a performance and she asked me if I had any tips on how to prepare performers..I couldn't stop at just a few as I've got ten. If you have students performing soon, I think you'll find the interview enlightening and packed with actionable steps.   Links from Sam Sam has generously offered the link to the entire webinar and two blogs she references in our conversation. Replay of the whole webinar!  One More Time: Preparing Your BEST Live or Recorded Performance - YouTube Blog: How Should We Assess Performance? - BlitzBooks Blog: The Seven Deadly Performance Sins - BlitzBooks   Links from Leila Blog and downloadable Infographic: The Five Ps of Performing and Ten Tips for a Top Performance Ideas for summer themes and group lessons: Summer Camp Headquarters Find Bucket Drumming for Piano Teachers, Camp curriculums, Flip-its, and more innovative resources to supplement your lessons.   And…make sure to sign up for the FREE webinar on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 10:00 AM MST (yes, there will be a replay!) Register HERE  

After stumbling upon Andrea Miller's podcast interview with Lisa Spector I had to immediately listen to it again. In this episode, learn why I couldn't help but reach out to Andrea at the Music Startup Podcast and why I felt compelled to share Lisa's story with you. In our conversation, Lisa tells her gripping story of how a fall led to the demise of a concert career and shifted to a work-life that combines her passion for music-making and dog calming.  Grab your walking shoes (AND a leash tethered to your favorite furry friend) and listen in. BTW...my apologies for mentioning but not giving the details about our son Carter's injuries after he was struck by a boat. I've included a brief recap in the show notes. Find the show notes with all the links Here.

In this episode, I get back to the "Off Bench Matters" theme with a slight twist because I veer pretty far from the teaching bench and don't really touch on off bench activities either. Instead, I share my WORK bench tools. I understand that not everyone may know about or know how to make the tech tools work for them. And so, I've scripted this episode in a way to help you come to terms with where you're at and where you want to be with technology in the future.  For ALL the links for the tech tools, the summer camp headquarters, the composium, the consultation sign up and the Play Score 2 Instagram giveaway.... CLICK HERE

Leila has a wonderful conversation with Jim Litzelman about his journey with focal dystonia. Listen in as Jim shares about his performance and teaching career, and his focus on releasing tension, stretching, and injury prevention.

This episode was NOT part of my plans for 2022 and the topic is not in my comfort zone. And yet, catastrophic events keep coming–-from the destructive wildfires in California and Colorado to Kentucky tornadoes and Tennessee Floods. None of us are immune to the fury of planet earth. I'm sure I speak for you, too when I say that our hearts are heavy for any teachers who have lost their studios, their instruments, and their daily teaching routine because of an unforeseen disaster. What if your studio burst into flames or was soaked in floodwaters or blown to smithereens and scattered across state lines? Would your insurance policy be enough to cover gut-wrenching losses? Would your savings be wiped out?  As I pondered these questions myself, it got me curious about my insurance and what kind of policy is the best in the worst of times?  This episode is NOT an insurance pitch but it is a poke. When is the last time you went to a piano conference or webinar to learn about insurance? Never? It's the massive elephant in the room that we all conveniently ignore.  I've done some digging. After a good deal of research and talks with experts, here's what I dug up. It's offered in a straightforward question-and-answer format. BTW...If you think your home policy is enough...this episode may make you think again. Remember, I am NOT an insurance agent OR expert. I'm someone who usually ignores stuff like this but is now compelled to get the facts straight.  Please use the information I've gathered and then meet with your insurance agent to tailor a policy that suits your needs. I am NOT an expert. After I list the types of insurance you need to consider as a piano studio owner, the episode ends with Advice from a piano teacher who lost her home in the 2018 The Camp Fire Questions to bring to the next meeting with your insurance agent. Links An article featuring the best home inventory apps: HERE Tomilee's sister's Emergency Binder: HERE "Repertoire Keepers and How to Improvise with Them": HERE Learn more and sign up for the Composium: HERE   How to connect with me Sign up for a freebie and get my weekly newsletter: https://www.leilaviss.com/practice-stickers Personal Consultation https://www.leilaviss.com/consultation Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leilaviss/ Email lviss@me.com Website: https://www.leilaviss.com/  

Off Bench time is a label for three types or parts of a lesson: #1 A designated time before, during, or after a lesson where students complete assignments off the bench #2 Any time spent doing a purposeful activity that engages the body beyond the fingers on the keys #3 Any time spent completing activities that involve tactile or tech-savvy tools Here's the backstory of why I've been passionate about the Off Bench definition #2 for decades. Without revealing my exact age you'll learn how far I've come with my relationship with technology and how it has shaped the way I teach and how I format my lessons. But…it's not just all about me! Ultimately, I hope my story will transform your approach to teaching piano. I don't just nudge, I plead with you to check out the show notes…so here are the links as promised.   Blog posts What is Off Bench Time? How to Talk with Parents about Off Bench Time   Apps Tonara (use code viss20 for a free trial and discount) MusicTheory.net   Resources 20th Century Flashbacks Digital Escape Room Games Flip-Its Cookie Cutter Composing Get Inspired Episodes   Books The iPad Piano Studio The Dynamic Studio…   How to connect with me Sign up for a freebie and get my weekly newsletter: https://www.leilaviss.com/practice-stickers Personal Consultation https://www.leilaviss.com/consultation Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leilaviss/ Email lviss@me.com Website: https://www.leilaviss.com/

In this episode, get a reminder of what Off Bench time is--a label for three types or parts of a lesson: #1 A designated time before, during or after a lesson where students complete assignments off the bench #2 Any time spent doing a purposeful activity that engages the body beyond the fingers on the keys #3 Any time spent completing activities that involve tactile or tech-savvy tools In a nutshell, Off Bench Time is time spent doing anything besides playing repertoire that jumpstarts skills on the bench. Make sure to head back to Key Ideas Episode #39 to learn why Off Bench Time could and should be a part of your lessons. In this episode, learn the best place to start using an effective three-stage process: Prepare Present Practice To help you understand what I mean by each stage, hear how to go about teaching landmark notes on the grand staff.   Links to articles and apps Flashnote Derby https://flashnotederby.com/ Note Quest: https://notequest.net/ A list of my Must-Have Apps: https://www.leilaviss.com/apps-piano-teachers Grand Staff Map https://www.leilaviss.com/store-home/grand-staff-map Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leilaviss/ Email lviss@me.com Website: https://www.leilaviss.com/

For the new year, here's a new format that shares potent ideas in 10 minutes or less. Learn how to engage piano students off the bench to reinforce what they play on the bench. Off-bench time matters and you'll get a list of reasons why and ways you can incorporate these activities in your lessons immediately, even if you teach online. Before the next episode drops, listen up and get your assignment. The time spent away from the keys matters and I'll be your biggest cheerleader as you get off the bench!   If you're interested in diving deeper into my Off Bench time that comes in tandem with my lessons, read this extensive article and videos about how I amplify my curriculum with time away from the bench. https://www.leilaviss.com/off-bench-new   And if you want to learn more about my teaching philosophy, how I plan lessons, and groom practice skills check out my Planning Kit for Piano Teachers.  https://www.leilaviss.com/store-home/a-piano-teachers-planning-kit   And, don't miss the unique online course starting January 13, 2022 called Teaching Beginners with Whole Body Learning. The dynamic Aussie Paul Myatt who joined me in episode 35 is hosting the class and I'm pleased to be serving as a coach.  Takeaways: How to keep the initial excitement alive beyond the first few weeks. How to have your beginners playing in time from the first lesson. How to develop playing, reading, and aural skills simultaneously. How to create activities for any piece that are fun, enjoyable and keep them wanting to play. The neuroscience around how we learn and place memories in the brain so students remember what they've learned from week to week.   Use this link below to register and make sure to use 88KEYS20 for $20 off. LeilaViss.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilaviss/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/88pianokeys Email: lviss@me.com    

In this final episode of Leila's three-part conversation with Dennis Alexander, he shares the smartest thing anyone can do as an aspiring composer, a teaching tip that is fall-out-of-your-seat funny, and the best thing any teacher can do for their student. For all the resources mentioned in this series, please visit leilaviss.com/keyideas.

In part 2 of 3, Leila and Dennis talk about his unexpected journey into composition as well as his transition from Alfred Music to Hal Leonard. For more info, visit leilaviss.com/keyideas.

Leila has an inspiring conversation with Dennis Alexander. Dennis is a living legend as a composer, performer, and pedagogue. In Part 1, Dennis talks about the chance opportunity that led to his composing career, why adult students are his favorite, and what app he requires all of his students to download. For show notes, links and resources, visit leilaviss.com/keyideas.

Leila chats with guest Paul Myatt about Whole Body Learning and fun off-bench activities. Paul Myatt is a passionate music teacher, performer, author, composer and workshop facilitator. Paul, along with his colleague and best friend, Gillian Erskine, created Forte School of Music, a 27-year-old thriving network of music schools with nearly 8,000 students across Australia, New Zealand, Britain and this year in the USA. For more info, please visit leilaviss.com/keyideas. 

Enjoy Part 2 of Leila's inspiring conversation with Lynda Lybeck-Robinson! For more information, visit leilaviss.com/keyideas.

In this first part of a two-episode conversation with Lynda Lybeck-Robinson, Leila finds out how Lynda wound up in Unalaska, Alaska! Lynda also talks about how she carved out a career in a rugged and beautiful setting.  To find out more about Lynda, and to get more info about this episode, visit leilaviss.com.

Using Joe Hirsch's R.E.P.A.I.R. acronym, Leila shares insights on how to provide valuable in-lesson feedback that leads to "feedforward" and growth with our students. As always, for more info, visit leilaviss.com/keyideas.

In this final installment of Repertoire worth Recycling, Leila and Charlene share even more great solo pieces and collections. Be sure to follow Key Ideas wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! For the full list of Repertoire worth Recycling, and for more info, go to leilaviss.com/keyideas.

This is part two of Leila's three-part series with Charlene Jarvis where they talk about more great titles worth recycling in the studio.   For more info on Leila's 8+8 Composium and for show notes, visit leilaviss.com/keyideas.

Take the opportunity to be a "fly on the wall" inside Leila's and Charlene Jarvis' studios. In this first of three episodes devoted to repertoire worth recycling find out their perennial favorites! Find out more about Whole Body Learning at www.pianoteachingsuccess.com/Kickstarter. For show notes and great resources, head to leilaviss.com/keyideas.

Join Leila for a pithy, honest, and really fun conversation with the one and only Wendy Stevens. Here are links to Wendy's webinars:  New Music Abuzz With Adventure - Teachers can pick from times happening on August 17th and 25th  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/88/2z925iyv Exciting New Creations for Rhythm Cups® and Rhythm Menagerie®! https://event.webinarjam.com/register/89/3v0wzcxk For more information, visit leilaviss.com/keyideas.  

Last year we embarked on a pandemic journey that required us to live in Survival Mode. Leila talks about the troubling symptoms of Survival Mode, and shares her insights along the way to Revival Mode.  In this episode she also shares her "talk of a lifetime" called "Keeping it Together When Life Falls Apart." She tells the story of her family's loss and how the transformative power of music is stronger than we could ever know.  Make sure to watch the YouTube video of her talk because you'll never view your profession as a music teacher quite the same again. Here's the link to Leila's talk:  https://youtu.be/RPYDpHzleic As promised, here are details about Wendy Stevens' webinars: New Music Abuzz With Adventure - Teachers can pick from times happening on August 17th and 25th  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/88/2z925iyv Exciting New Creations for Rhythm Cups® and Rhythm Menagerie®! https://event.webinarjam.com/register/89/3v0wzcxk To find out more, visit us at leilaviss.com.

Leila shares perspectives and pointers on how to go from survival to revival during this new season. She also shares a studio-ready teaching tip! Click here to register for Using Rote Repertoire to Teach Composition, a webinar hosted by the always clever Samantha Coates on August 27.  To learn more about Sam's rote repertoire and redeem your exclusive offer as a Key Ideas follower, click here. For more information, visit leilaviss.com.

In the final episode of Season 1, Leila reflects on the highs and lows of life and work over the course of the last year. Thank you for supporting Key Ideas. Your follows and feedback, ratings and reviews have encouraged and inspired us. For more info on this and other episodes, visit leilaviss.com/keyideas. To purchase How to Play Piano in a Band, visit leilaviss.com/band.

Part Two is Leila's conversation about yoga in the studio centers on pre-performance routines, overcoming fear at the bench, and so much more! For resources and links from this episode, go to www.leilaviss.com/keyideas/yoga-in-the-music-studio-lesley-mcallister-cemmy.   For more info on Leila and Drew's new course, How to Play Piano in a Band, check out: https://leilaviss.com/band.  

Leila and Lesley begin a conversation on the benefits of using yoga in the piano studio as well as lessons Lesley has learned about the mind body connection. Stay tuned for Part Two! For more info on Leila and Drew's new course, How to Play Piano in a Band, check out: https://leilaviss.com/band.  

Leila chats with her good friend and producer Drew Collins about their course and curriculum, How to Play Piano in a Band. For more info, visit leilaviss.com

Leila interviews celebrated artist and host of NPR's From the Top podcast, Peter Dugan about how and why versatility at the piano is the key to his craft, creativity, and collaborations. For episode notes and extras, visit leilaviss.com.