Goals

The Why, What and How of PianoCreativity.com

PianoCreativity.com is a resource for every piano teacher who wants to include improvisation and composition in their lessons.

Why I’m writing:

I want to share what I most enjoy, which is how to teach students to create music.

Creativity lessons are where I have the most fun; the time simply flies by. They are why I love piano teaching. I want to share that joy.

Many piano teachers understand that composition and improvisation are brilliant tools for teaching, but many piano teachers feel out of their depth. I will offer a guide.

What I’ll write about:

I’m going to begin with three types of posts:

1. introductions to some good resources for teaching composition and improvisation

2. my own simple creative activities that you can use in your lessons

3. deep thoughts about creativity, learning, teaching, and kindness

How I’ll write:

The best — and hardest! — writing is concise, pithy, and intelligble. There will be no waffling and I’ll keep technical vocabulary to a minumum. If I have to use a technical term, I’ll explain it in plain English. My idols of concision are Seth Godin and Annie Proulx, who can use words as precisely as surgeon uses a scalpel. I probably won’t reach their level of skill, but it’s good to have ambitious goals! Sometimes I’ll post a video or some sheet music, if that’s a more efficient way of illustrating my point.

I’m pretty good at teaching creativity but I would be the first to admit that I still have a lot to learn. I would love to learn from you, my readers: what am I missing? how do you do it differently? Please email me at hello@pianocreativity.com.

Thanks for reading,
Garreth

PS You can read a little more about me here or find out more about my work as a composer and a teacher at garrethbrooke.com.