🎶 Free Music Teaching Resources for Your Studio
Looking for fresh, engaging ways to keep your students motivated? I’ve created a collection of free resources for piano teachers — games, worksheets, and tools you can start using in your lessons right away. These freebies are my gift to you as part of the Music Mentory community.
Make the Circle of 5ths finally click for your students! This free download includes Level 1 of my EPIC Digital Circle of 5ths Game, plus a 16-page set of printable worksheets. Perfect for private lessons, groups, or online teaching.
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Ready for more? Each freebie is part of a bigger system of resources designed to save you time and keep your students excited to learn. Be sure to check out the full Music Mentory shop for more printable + digital games, worksheets, and bundles.
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🎹 7 Tech Tools That Make My Online Piano Studio Creative, Connected, and (Mostly) Chaos-Free
Online lessons get a bad rap — especially for younger students. But here’s the truth: with the right tech tools, online teaching can be more connected, creative, and effective than ever.
In this post, I’m sharing the exact tools I use to keep my students learning, laughing, and progressing week after week — from rhythm videos to game-based learning, and even a 24/7 piano classroom!
1. Marco Polo – My Go-To for Asynchronous Lessons
I’ve tried lots of ways to do video-based feedback, but Marco Polo wins every time. It’s easy to use, doesn’t require downloading videos, and lets me:
Respond on my own schedule
Keep all lesson communication organized by student
Build a more personal connection — students love seeing my face and reactions!
I do use chat and video tools in the Better Practice App (more on that below), but Marco Polo remains my daily driver.
2. Google Meet – The Unsung Hero of Group Lessons
Why not Zoom? Because the sound issues were too unpredictable — especially for younger students. I needed something simple and stable, and Google Meet delivered.
Here’s why I love it:
Reliable audio without constant tech support
Breakout rooms for group activities
Easy camera switching (I use one cam over my piano, one on my face)
One reusable link all year long — no confusion, no new invites
It just works — and that makes everything smoother.
3. Genially Games – My Secret Weapon for Learning & Laughter
I create almost all of my digital music games in Genially, and they are a game-changer (pun intended). Whether it’s note reading, rhythm, terms, or theory, I can:
Share my screen and play as a class
Let students open it on their own screen for a timed solo challenge
Keep things dynamic with mystery puzzles, mazes, and collaborative adventures
One game has students exploring a house, dodging monsters, and shouting warnings to each other through the screen. Yes — it's that fun.
4. YouTube for Rhythm Play-Alongs and Digital Tools
YouTube is my unofficial classroom assistant. I use it to:
Play rhythm clap-alongs that keep group energy high
Use timer videos for individual game or practice challenges
Show fun and motivating videos from rhythm imposters to virtuosic piano performances.
The right video at the right time = focus reset achieved.
5. Digital Whiteboards – For On-the-Fly Theory Teaching
Sometimes a student needs a quick explanation. I use a digital whiteboard (like Microsoft Whiteboard or Canva Whiteboard) to draw notes, write rhythms, or map out theory concepts right in the middle of a lesson.
It's visual, it's interactive, and it sticks better than just talking.
6. Better Practice App – Organized Assignments + Practice Tracking
I adore this app. Not only can I track what each student is working on, I can:
Assign entire books and pass off songs with one click
Create custom books and group assignments
Chat in small groups
Let students see their progress and practice streaks
It’s like having a digital binder, practice journal, and cheerleader all in one.
www.BetterPracticeApp.com
7. My Music Staff – For Scheduling & Parent Communication
I use My Music Staff to organize my calendar, send lesson reminders, and communicate with parents. It handles invoices, attendance, and email blasts — so I can spend less time chasing admin tasks and more time teaching.
Final Thoughts: Tech Is a Tool — Not a Replacement
I still use my voice, my stories, my instincts, and my creativity in every lesson. But these tools help me do all of that more efficiently — and with more joy.
If you're teaching online (or hybrid), don’t be afraid to try new tech. The right tools don’t replace you — they amplify you.
How I Teach Group Piano Lessons Online — And Why You Can Too!
When I first began teaching piano online, one of the questions I asked myself was:
"Can group piano classes really work online — and still feel personal, joyful, and effective?"
The answer is — absolutely YES.
In fact, over time I’ve found that online group piano lessons can offer opportunities for growth and community that students often don’t experience in private lessons alone.
And the best part?
You don’t need to be a tech wizard or have fancy equipment to make it happen.
Just a thoughtful structure, some creative tools, and a teacher’s heart to guide your students.
Why Teach Group Piano Lessons Online?
There are so many good reasons:
✅ Build community among your students
✅ Give them performance opportunities in a safe space
✅ Encourage listening, ensemble awareness, and musicality
✅ Help students stay motivated through shared experiences
✅ Create an additional income stream for your studio
How I Structure My Online Group Piano Classes
Here’s a peek inside the kinds of group piano classes I teach online — and how I structure them:
🎵 Playing Together
Even online, we find ways to play together!
✅ Sometimes I’ll have students muted and playing along with me — this helps with rhythm, ensemble feel, and confidence.
✅ We also do simple duet patterns — I play one part, they play another — or we alternate phrases.
🎵 Playing for Each Other
Peer performance is one of the most powerful tools I’ve found in group piano:
✅ Each student takes a turn playing a prepared piece for the group.
✅ The group offers kind, constructive feedback (we practice how to do this well!).
✅ Over time, students gain confidence performing — and learn to listen attentively to others.
This is especially helpful for students who may feel nervous about recitals — group class gives them a “bridge” experience to build confidence.
🎵 Masterclass Format
Sometimes I run an entire class in a masterclass style:
✅ Each student plays a piece in progress.
✅ I coach them live — and other students observe and learn.
The beauty of this?
✅ Students learn not only from their own coaching, but from hearing others' lessons too.
🎵 Practice Class / Focused Skills Class
Another format I love is the Practice Class — where we focus on a particular skill:
✅ Sight-reading
✅ Rhythm work
✅ Scales or technique
✅ Artistic expression
We rotate through activities, share progress, and celebrate each student’s growth.
What Makes It All Work?
The heart of it is this:
Community first.
Kindness first.
Progress, not perfection.
When students know they are in a supportive, encouraging space, they will take risks, try new things, and blossom.
Tools I Use for Group Piano Online
You might be wondering: What tech do I need?
I keep it simple:
✅ Google Meet — I prefer it over Zoom for music (better sound handling for my needs)
✅ External microphone (optional but helpful)
✅ Well-organized class plan — the most important tool of all!
Final Thoughts — You Can Do This Too
If you’ve been curious about teaching group piano online, I want to encourage you:
✨ You absolutely can.
It’s not about having the perfect camera or the perfect platform — it’s about creating a thoughtful experience for your students.
Group piano online can:
✅ Deepen your students’ musicality
✅ Strengthen your studio community
✅ Open new income streams for your teaching business
Want More Studio Systems & Business Tips?
👉 Be sure to visit my For Piano Teachers page — I’m building lots of new tools to help you create a joyful, sustainable teaching business! 🌷
🎹 How to Add Group Lessons to Your Piano Studio (Without Stress or Pushback!)
Many piano teachers love the idea of adding group classes to their studio — but aren’t sure how to make it work.
Do you cancel private lessons the week of group?
How do you charge for it?
What should you even do during the group class?
I’ve taught many formats over the years, but here’s one of my absolute favorites:
👉 The Simple “3 Private + 1 Group” Model
🗓 The Basic Structure
Weeks 1–3: Private lessons as usual
Week 4: Group class takes the place of that week’s private lesson
That’s it! Parents know what to expect — and it builds a fun rhythm into your studio calendar.
💰 Billing: Keep It Simple
Flat monthly tuition is the easiest and clearest way to handle this:
Same fee every month (no per-lesson math!)
Parents appreciate the consistency
YOU avoid awkward conversations about “missed” lessons or holiday weeks
🎵 What To Do In Group Class
Your group classes can be incredibly versatile. Over the years, I’ve rotated through:
Theory classes — interactive games & activities
Performance classes — low-pressure sharing
Practice skills workshops — teaching students how to practice
Mini-recitals — for family or just the group
Masterclasses — individual coaching with peer observation
Group piano projects — one piece, multi-level arrangement
💬 How To Communicate the Value to Parents
Here’s the magic: it’s not about “missing” a lesson — it’s about getting MORE.
Benefits for their child:
✅ Longer session that week (often 45–60 min)
✅ Interactive learning with peers
✅ Safe performance experience
✅ Variety that refreshes motivation
✅ Skills not easily taught 1-on-1 (ensemble, listening, teamwork)
When presented this way, parents see it as added value — and students LOVE it.
Final Thoughts
Group classes can energize your studio, deepen learning, and build community among your students.
If you’ve been on the fence — try this simple model! It’s worked beautifully in my studio and in many others I mentor.
💌 Want More Creative Ideas for Your Studio?
I share tips like this every month — plus free games, printables, and special discounts — for teachers who love making lessons fun and effective (especially with young beginners and online students!).
👉 Come join us at www.MusicMentory.club — we’d love to have you! 🎶