Summary: Episode Highlights:<br> Becki Laurent is a piano teacher from Lubbock, Texas.<br> She can be reached at <a href="mailto:msbecki@gmail.com">msbecki@gmail.com</a>.<br> Student reminder: I want my students to own their learning and apply what they know. Playing piano is fun but it still requires a work ethic. I also constantly tell them two things: 1. Count and 2. F’s are sharp and B’s are flat!<br> “Talent is a great thing. But talent without a personal work ethic is useless.” Becki Laurent<br> Parent reminder: Parents have enough battles to fight with their kids. Piano practice doesn’t need to be one of them. I share the “Rule of Five” with my piano parents. That is, their child should practice each assigned piece 5 times well. That may take three minutes or thirty minutes. I tell my parents to stop stressing about piano practice minutes. They are told to tell their piano kids, “Practice your 5 and if you think Mr. Becki will be happy with how it sounds then you are done for today.”<br> “Practice your 5 and if you think Mr. Becki will be happy with how it sounds then you are done for today.”<br> I also teach them the “Rule of Age” for recitals. Students must play their recital piece well as many times as their age.<br> Teacher motivation: The thing that most keeps me motivated as a teacher is the thrill of learning. I love to learn. I love to try new things and make new connections. Nothing thrills me more than to learn something new. I also love to see a student learn. It is so exciting to see that moment. It is a unique experience to watch learning happen in someone else’s head and I love to be there for that.<br> <br> Resources mentioned in this episode:<br> <a href="https://www.joytunes.com/apps#pm" target="_blank">Piano Maestro</a><br> <a href="http://usa.yamaha.com/products/apps/chord_tracker/" target="_blank">Yamaha Chord Tracker</a><br> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-most-addicting-sheep-game/id550921301?mt=8" target="_blank">The Most Addicting Sheep Game</a><br> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mind-the-beat-rhythm-coach-game/id935227359?mt=8" target="_blank">Mind the Beat</a><br> <a href="http://www.soundbrenner.com/" target="_blank">Soundbrennar Pulse</a><br> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jelly-band/id481589020?mt=8" target="_blank">Jelly Band</a><br> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/audio-ninja/id656833778?mt=8" target="_blank">Audio Ninja</a><br> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/blob-chorus-ear-training/id484567131?mt=8" target="_blank">Blob Chorus</a><br> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tabs-chords-by-ultimate-guitar-learn-and-play/id357828853?mt=8" target="_blank">Ultimate Guitar Tabs</a><br> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/infocus-pro-all-in-one-organizer/id545904979?mt=8" target="_blank">InFocus Pro</a><br> <a href="http://www.musicnotes.com/" target="_blank">MusicNotes</a><br> Becki’s Composer Pick: Bach. I woud love to know what made him tick. What was he like in real life that led to such tremendous musical thought? How did he manage multiple lines of melody? I think he was the ultimate multi tasker and I’d love to know how he did it.<br> I also think we would share a love of technology. I think he would explode with creative ideas if you put him in front of a Clavinova! Can you imagine?<br> Here is a video sample of the genius of Bach.<br> <br> Parting Wisdom for New Piano Parents: The day is coming (probably sooner than you realize) when you will look at your child and think “Wow! That was really beautiful! My child is a musician!” That moment? Worth every bit of practice!<br> <br> Contact Becki: <a href="mailto:msbecki@gmail.com">msbecki@gmail.com</a><br> Teachers, would you like to share your story? Contact me at <a href="mailto:info@pianoparentpodcast."></a>
