Off Bench Matters #39-41

Episode #39: Off Bench Matters

For the new year, here's a new format that shares potent ideas in 10 minutes or less.

Learn how to engage piano students off the bench to reinforce what they play on the bench.

Off-bench time matters and you'll get a list of reasons why and ways you can incorporate these activities in your lessons immediately, even if you teach online.

Before the next episode drops, listen up and get your assignment.

The time spent away from the keys matters and I’ll be your biggest cheerleader as you get off the bench!

If you’re interested in diving deeper into my Off Bench time that comes in tandem with my lessons, read this extensive article and videos about how I amplify my curriculum with time away from the bench.

https://www.leilaviss.com/off-bench-new

And if you want to learn more about my teaching philosophy, how I plan lessons, and groom practice skills check out my Planning Kit for Piano Teachers.
https://www.leilaviss.com/store-home/a-piano-teachers-planning-kit

Episode #40: Lock into a Loop of Learning On & Off the Bench

In this episode, get a reminder of what Off Bench time is--a label for three types or parts of a lesson:

#1 A designated time before, during or after a lesson where students complete assignments off the bench
#2 Any time spent doing a purposeful activity that engages the body beyond the fingers on the keys
#3 Any time spent completing activities that involve tactile or tech-savvy tools

In a nutshell, Off Bench Time is time spent doing anything besides playing repertoire that jumpstarts skills on the bench.

Make sure to head back to Key Ideas Episode #39 to learn why Off Bench Time could and should be a part of your lessons.

In this episode, learn the best place to start using an effective three-stage process:

Prepare
Present
Practice

To help you understand what I mean by each stage, hear how to go about teaching landmark notes on the grand staff.

Links to articles and apps

Flashnote Derby https://flashnotederby.com/

Note Quest: https://notequest.net/

A list of my Must-Have Apps: https://www.leilaviss.com/apps-piano-teachers

Grand Staff Map https://www.leilaviss.com/store-home/grand-staff-map

Perhaps you’ve already embraced Off Bench time but have a question. Please leave a comment below. I’m here to help!

Website: LeilaViss.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilaviss/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/88pianokeys

Email: lviss@me.com

Episode #41: What’s the Big Deal about Off the Bench when On the Bench is What Matters?

Here’s the backstory of why I’ve been passionate about the Off Bench definition #2 for decades.

Without revealing my exact age you’ll learn how far I’ve come with my relationship with technology and how it has shaped the way I teach and how I format my lessons.

But…it’s not just all about me! Ultimately, I hope my story will transform your approach to teaching piano.

I don’t just nudge, I plead with you to check out the show notes…so here are the links as promised.

Blog posts

What is Off Bench Time?

How to Talk with Parents about Off Bench Time

Apps

Tonara (use code viss20 for a free trial and discount)

MusicTheory.net

Resources

20th Century Flashbacks

Digital Escape Room Games

Flip-Its