A Paperless Way to Track the 40-Piece Challenge
Just had to use this pic. It was taken as Ethan was participating in a practice challenge and one of the requirements? Practice on your knees!
When the 40-Piece Challenge was first introduced across the piano teaching community, I took little interest in it.
It wasn’t because I disliked the idea, it was because it felt like one more incentive to keep track of and my track record for keeping track of things is not great. I’m not a fan of paperwork!
When I discovered digital badge boards this past fall, my attitude changed towards the 40-Piece Challenge.
The badge boards are a paperless way to keep track of each piece learned, lets students see how they are doing compared to their peers and the boards take up NO WALL SPACE in my studio. Digital badge board charts are stored in my Google Drive and I can access them at any time to update them.
When I began using Tonara after the pandemic confined me to online lessons, I became an even bigger fan of the 40-Piece Challenge. It’s because Tonara allows students to easily record and message audio recordings to me.
Students send me their audio recordings of a piece that they want to submit for the challenge via the chat area. I get notified and then listen to it and text a note back letting students know I listened to it. This exchange takes place all within Tonara where I can easily access the text thread again during the lesson as I update assignments.
This process requires little time for me between lessons which frees up lesson time for playing other repertoire. And, it takes less than a minute during the lesson to add the piece to the students’ growing list of titles.
About twice a month, I update my 40 Piece digital badge board at lessons so students can see their progress and also check out how their number compares to other students in my studio. We celebrate the 10, 20 and 30 piece milestone with a punch on their gift card. to learn more about how I streamline incentives, follow this link.
Clear as mud?
Watch the video below so you see how it works.
By the way…I recorded this video in Loom—another tool I couldn’t teach without now!
If you are looking for a way to enhance your instruction between lessons, or want to offer flipped lessons, Loom will become your best friend!
In a technology tailspin?
As we have all pivoted to make online lessons a reality, I get a sense that many teachers are struggling with the dizzying amount of technology required to continue with lessons. Even if you are teaching in person, virtual recitals and festivals require a certain amount of tech-saviness that may have you stumped.
And, some may be puzzled not only by how to use the tools but also with the lingo!
If you’re feeling this way and are interested in a Basic Tech Training for Teachers, please let me know through the sign up below.
You are under no obligation to attend a future training but, it helps me gauge the need and the scope of content to offer.
Leave a request or comment in the comment section below and let me know your thoughts!
