Purposeful Piano Pedagogy: Thoughtful Conversations on Teaching, Calling, & Craft

Send us Fan Mail Teaching for Musical Identity Moving Beyond Skills to Formation What are your students really learning in your studio? Beyond repertoire, technique, and theory, every lesson is shaping something deeper: a student’s sense of identity at the piano. In this episode of Purposeful Piano Pedagogy, we explore the idea of the “hidden curriculum”—the unspoken messages students absorb about themselves, their abilities, and their relationship to music. You’ll discover: The differ...

Send us Fan Mail Topics covered in this episode: 1. Redefining technique 2. Musicianship as structural vs. supplemental 3. Teaching technique through sound 4. The role of slow practice (It's probably not what you think it is!) 5. Technical exercises with meaning 6. Technique as identity formation Reflection Questions: How do you currently define “good technique” in your teaching?In what ways do your students connect physical movement with listening?Which technical exercises in y...

Send us Fan Mail What is the role of the teacher’s inner life in purposeful pedagogy? Themes discussed in this episode: A teacher’s inner life forms the foundation of purposeful pedagogy.Purposeful pedagogy asks us to care for ourselves as we care for our students Your inner life also shapes how students perceive themselves Reflection Questions: How does your energy or mood influence your students’ engagement?What is one habit or mindset you could cultivate this we...

Send us Fan Mail What do we mean by Purposeful Piano Pedagogy? Key points: pedagogy is never neutral. purpose is not the same as efficiency. teaching is formational work. Reflection questions: 1. Where in your teaching do you sense the strongest sense of purpose—and where do you feel the most pressure? 2. What outcomes currently define “success” in your studio? 3. In what ways might efficiency be crowding out formation? Coming on our next episode - What do y...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Christina discusses the importance of developing a rhythm that can fluctuate with our lives over a strict routine that will make us feel guilty if it's broken. Live with rhythm, teach with grace, and let the music flow. To book a coaching session or private lesson with me, contact me at www.christinamathis.com/contact.

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Christina shares 5 pieces of advice for new piano teachers. It's probably not what you expect! You can read the written version of this episode at christinamathis.com/blog. Grab your favorite drink. Get comfy. Let's talk. ☕️ To book a coaching session or private lesson with me, contact me at www.christinamathis.com/contact.

Send us Fan Mail After an unexpected blogging/podcasting hiatus due to the busyness of the spring season, Christina is back with an update on what has kept her so busy and on a new direction for the podcast. To book a coaching session or private lesson with me, contact me at www.christinamathis.com/contact.

Send us Fan Mail Drawing on the wisdom of Adam Grant in his book Think Again, Dr. Christina Mathis begins a series on The Power of What If and how these two little words can transform our lives in various aspects of musicianship - starting with an episode specifically for piano teachers! Check out the written version of this podcast on the Polished Pianist Blog at http://www.christinamathis.com/blog. To book a coaching session or private lesson with me, contact me at www.christina...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Christina discusses the book Wintering by Katherine May and how it can apply to us as musicians. She shares how being intentional about resting during slower seasons brings growth in our busier seasons. Wintering: https://a.co/d/8jnRW5j Blog: https://www.christinamathis.com/blog To book a coaching session or private lesson with me, contact me at www.christinamathis.com/contact.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to our special Advent series - Musician's Advent. In this series, Christina will combine the practice of advent with a focus on how we as musicians can embrace the peace and hope of the season in the midst of the busyness that this time of year entails. Each episode will contain an advent thought, a scripture, and musical recommendations. Week 4 - Love: The Ultimate Gift Hymn: O Holy Night Classical: Ave Maria (Franz Schubert) Recordings: O Holy Night - https://yo...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to our special Advent series - Musician's Advent. In this series, Christina will combine the practice of advent with a focus on how we as musicians can embrace the peace and hope of the season in the midst of the busyness that this time of year entails. Each episode will contain an advent thought, a scripture, and musical recommendations. Week 2 - Creating Harmony in Chaos Hymn: Let There Be Peace on Earth Classical: Adagio for Strings (Barber) Share your thoughts,...

Send us Fan Mail Hello, friends! We will return to our wellness series in the new year, but for now, let's embrace the fullness of the holiday season - starting with a special Thanksgiving episode! To book a coaching session or private lesson with me, contact me at www.christinamathis.com/contact.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Christina shares tips for how to make sure the food you are eating contributes to your needs as a musician as well as ideas for planning snacks and meals during busy rehearsal & performance seasons. To book a coaching session or private lesson with me, contact me at www.christinamathis.com/contact.