Best Clinton Pratt Podcasts (2024)

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22 The Way Mnemonics Don't Work (w/ Samantha Coates) 37:55

4h ago37:55

37:55

Every Good Boy Deserves . . . ? We’re all familiar with these sayings, but maybe every good teacher should think about the usefulness of mnemonic devices for reading music. Samantha Coates is here to explain and demonstrate how these traditional teaching tools are confusing and a waste of time! Samantha Coates is an internationally regarded piano p…

1
21 The Way to Spark Motivation (w/ Amy Immerman) 45:12

39m ago45:12

45:12

Amy Immerman, Founder of Cincinnati Music Academy (a school that she helped grow to 750 students), joins the show to discuss motivation! Is it our job to motivate students? How can we help spark motivation? How can parental involvement help? We both talk about our own practicing and motivation growing up. Amy describes some engaging practice games,…

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20 The Way to Count ... or Not! 56:20

6d ago56:20

56:20

Prompted by a lively discussion in the Facebook Group Piano Teacher Central, I decided to host a live debate on YouTube! This is the recording of our “debate” on counting. The teachers who joined me were Mike Langer, Brian Lotter, Jeff Millis, Val Muller, Harrison Richter, and Jordan Thomas. It was a very thought-provoking discussion where we discu…

1
19 The Way to Master a Multi-Teacher Studio pt 2 (w/ Jordan Thomas) 30:31

1M ago30:31

30:31

This is the second of a two-part interview. In the last episode, Jordan interviewed me about teacher pay, asking me about fair rates, negotiating, benefits, living wage, tuition rates, and teacher raises. In this second episode, Jordan asks me about other aspects of running a studio such as: What do you look for when hiring a teacher? Do you train …

1
18 The Way to Master a Multi-Teacher Studio pt 1 (w/ Jordan Thomas) 25:58

2M ago25:58

25:58

To shake things up, our guest, Jordan Thomas, interviews Clinton! It all started with Jordan’s FaceBook post in Piano Teacher Central about the feasibility of a multi-teacher studio business model as opposed to a solo studio. Jordan is a solo teacher and has been considering expanding, but has questions about how to make it work. I answered some of…

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17 The Way Forward: Setting Expectations in Piano Lessons (w/ Jake McHugh) 45:02

2M ago45:02

45:02

Jake posted in the group “Piano Teacher Central” on Facebook about setting expectations for piano students in his studio. It was quite the lively discussion as there were strong and varying views on what kind of standards we should set, and what we should do if students don’t meet those expectations. Despite Jake being fairly new to piano teaching,…

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Encore Presentation of PPP14: Mister Rogers' Code for I Love You 33:12

2M ago33:12

33:12

Mr. Fred Rogers was born on March 20, 1928. This encore presentation is in honor of his 96th birthday, with gratitude for his life, well lived. What an example and inspiration for us all! Learn more at www.PianoParentpodcast.com/143.

1
16 The Way to Flow is to Play Slow (w/ Pablo Martinez) 43:49

2M ago43:49

43:49

After I posted in the Piano Teacher Central Facebook group saying “slow, slow, slow to keep the flow, flow, flow,” Pablo Martinez shared it in his Instagram to his followers because he was just thinking the same thing! We linked up in this episode to share stories and ideas on effective practicing. We learn about Pablo’s journey and how he had to r…

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15 The Way to Sustain Summer Income 34:38

3M ago34:38

34:38

Do your students want to take the summer off or want fewer lessons, resulting in reduced income for you? It can be frustrating, stressful, and depressing to have to struggle for income in the summer when your students drop off or take breaks. Don’t worry, The Piano Sensei Way has solved this problem! Not only can you maintain your income in the sum…

1
14 The Way to Make Studio Music Videos (w/ Mikey Ashmore) 39:21

4M ago39:21

39:21

I was so impressed when I watched Mikey Ashmore’s students in a studio music video he posted on Facebook this past Halloween. I contacted him and he agreed to come on the show to talk about how he came up with this idea and how he pulled it off! You’ve got to see this video and listen to my interview with him, it’s so fun! He walks us through the s…

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PPP 357: Teacher chat with Becki Laurent and Clinton Pratt - Artful Dodgers 1:01:36

4M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

What's your best deflection technique? Sometimes I'll answer a question with another question to avoid giving an uncomfortable answer. What's your piano kid's best deflection technique? Do they try to memorize all their music to avoid sight reading? Do they blame the metronome when they aren't able to play along with it? Learn some common "artful d…

1
PPP 356: The Groundhog Day of Piano Lessons 25:47

4M ago25:47

25:47

Do you ever feel like you're living the same piano lesson week after week? Listen to today's show to learn some reasons why music is re-assigned at the lesson and how you can help your piano kid keep moving forward. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/356

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13 The Way to Teach Theory Classes (w/ Glory St. Germain) 45:12

4M ago45:12

45:12

Teaching theory is a must . . . and it’s even better in groups! It’s more fun, students get social activity, they gain encouragement and support from their peers, and you can increase your income! Based on the Cooperative Learning Theory, students learn faster in small groups. You can also maximize your effectiveness by teaching several students al…

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12 The Way to Make Scales Easier (w/ Zac Adamson) 41:06

5M ago41:06

41:06

Is there only one way to finger scales? Do C, G, D, A, and E always start with left hand 54321? Zac Adamson says “no!” We discuss alternate scale fingerings and how they can help students (and you!) play with more natural ease and flow. During this episode, he demonstrates specific scales and their alternative fingerings on his piano and I try them…

1
PPP 355: Take Inventory of your 168 Hour Week 32:08

5M ago32:08

32:08

24 hours each day, 7 days every week. We all have 168 hours each week. If we're not careful, those hours will get filled with other people's agendas. Now is the time to take inventory of your schedule and make time for the things that are important to you. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/355…

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BONUS: Clinton interviewed on Ultimate Music Teachers Podcast 27:55

5M ago27:55

27:55

This is my recent interview on the Ultimate Music Teachers Productivity and Profitability Podcast with host Glory St. Germain! Topics include: my various roles as a music educator, improvisation, enforcing policies, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, how to make lessons engaging, retention, performance anxiety, and more! Glory's podcast Clinton's podcast…

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Holiday Replay of PPP 266: "Down in History" 17:56

6M ago17:56

17:56

In the style of Mike Rowe’s podcast “The Way I Heard It” and Paul Harvey’s radio show “The Rest of the Story”, this episode of the Piano Parent Podcast brings you the backstory of a musician or song or a moment in music history. I use these musical mysteries to tell you something you might not know about someone or something that is somewhat famili…

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10 The Way to Be Confident in Your Policies (w/ Tiffani Smith) 52:54

6M ago52:54

52:54

Tiffani is back by popular demand! We talk about being confident in your policies in order to protect your business, produce efficiency, and increase satisfaction! We both share examples and stories of how confident policies helped our studios. We discuss many tips on how to be confident including: explaining the protection, efficiency, and satisfa…

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09 The Way to Teach Beginners with No Book (w/ Tim Topham) 39:40

6M ago39:40

39:40

Tim Topham, internationally recognized leader in music education and founder of Top Music, joins the show to talk about his approach to delay method books and reading in order to focus on creativity and musicality first! Tim says, “Why don’t we leave the method books alone for a few weeks and do improvisation, creativity, musicality, and skill trai…

1
08 The Way Creativity Cultivates Connection (w/ Christopher Oill) 45:55

7M ago45:55

45:55

Christopher Oill joins the show to talk about creativity, composition, connecting to students, and how to balance structure with freedom. Using creative things like improvisation and storytelling can help you connect with students on a personal level, strengthening your relationships and, therefore, increasing student retention and engagement! Chri…

1
PPP 354: No Book Beginners with author, Tim Topham 48:13

7M ago48:13

48:13

In today's episode, author and international teacher of piano teachers, Tim Topham shares his approach to music learning in his new book, "No Book Beginners". Rather than stifling your piano kid's enthusiasm for piano by slowing down music-making with foreign terminology and symbols and expecting them to learn to read music before they expore the i…

1
07 The Way Flat Rate Tuition Minimizes Stress 26:16

7M ago26:16

26:16

Rescheduled lessons, cancellations, and students who want to take the summer off, oh my! Don’t you want to reduce your stress so you can focus on teaching? Having a flat rate tuition with no makeups lessons makes everything easier on students, parents, and you, the teacher! In this episode, I walk you through the details on how to institute a flat …

1
06 The Way to Teach Piano is to Teach Practicing (w/ Michael Richey) 45:37

8M ago45:37

45:37

Do your students practice? Do they know how to practice? Are you sure they're doing it effectively and efficiently? In this episode I talk with Michael Richey of the Tennessee Music Academy about how the main goal of a piano lesson is to teach a student how to practice! We talk about introducing a piece, beginners, transfer students, motivation, st…

1
PPP 353: What to do when you don't practice 27:34

8M ago27:34

27:34

Listen to today's episode to hear my suggestions for what you and your piano kid can do about your piano lesson when you've gone the whole week without spending time at your own piano. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/353

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05 The Way to Get More Students From Your Website 17:55

8M ago17:55

17:55

Is your Website working to get you more students? In this episode, we discuss some important tips to make sure you’re including and excluding the right things! The goal of your website is not to impress people with your credentials, talk about your policies and pricing, or get them to follow you on social media. The goal is to get them to contact y…

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PPP 352: What to Expect in the First Year of Piano Lessons 31:44

8M ago31:44

31:44

Welcome new Piano Parents! If you and your piano kid are new to the wonderful world of piano lessons, you may be wondering what kinds of things they will be learning during this first year. Today's episode gives you a few things to expect. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/352.

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04 The Way Movement Unlocks Musicality (w/ David Frego) 48:17

9M ago48:17

48:17

In this episode, I talk with David Frego about the Dalcroze Eurhythmics philosophy. David has many years experience teaching piano and music, incorporating Eurhythmics. He is a Master Teaching Artist with the American Eurhythmics Society and leads teacher training sessions all over the world. We discuss the history of Dalcroze, the philosophy, the …

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PPP 351: The Value of Reading to Your Piano Kids with Author, Vicky Weber 42:25

9M ago42:25

42:25

Vicky Weber is a musician and an elementary educator with a love for children’s literature. All her current titles are based on her background in music education or her heritage. While she has taught a variety of grade levels, primary-level education is where her passion lies. It has long been a dream of hers to teach children through the magic of …

1
PPP 350: 10 Ways to Scare Your Piano Teacher 23:31

9M ago23:31

23:31

'Tis the season for all things orange, yellow, brown, and a little scary. Today's list offers ten things that are likely to scare your piano teacher. Some are silly and some are serious, but all are things you might encounter with your piano kid. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/350.

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03 The Way to Do Away With Makeup Lessons (w/ Tiffani Smith) 42:49

9M ago42:49

42:49

In this episode, I talk with Tiffani Smith about makeup lessons and how to not have to do them! With 36 years of teaching experience and running a music school with multiple teachers and staff, Tiffani shares her insights and strategies to help piano teachers who struggle with trying to accommodate rescheduling requests. I get it. We are kind, comp…

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PPP 349: How to make your piano kid fail proof 21:00

9M ago21:00

21:00

We do everything we can, as parents, to set our kids up for success at the piano. We pay for lessons, drive them to their lesson, provide them with an instrument to practice. What steps should we take to help our piano kids overcome failure? How can we make their piano journey "so simple, plain, or reliable as to leave no opportunity for error, mis…

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PPP 348: Find the '1' - Helping students feel the steady beat and find the downbeat in music 30:06

9M ago30:06

30:06

Today's episode offers help for those piano kids who have a difficult time feeling the steady beat of music. Some children can feel the beat but they aren't yet able to discern the downbeat, the start of a new measure. If a child has trouble feeling the steady pulse of music they listen to, they will have even more trouble trying to reproduce a ste…

1
02 The Way to Teach Beginning Improv - 5 Tips 33:01

9M ago33:01

33:01

In this episode we talk about the benefits of improvisation and why every musician should improvise, even from the very beginning! Even if you're a teacher who doesn't really improvise, you can still teach it! We go over the 5 tips: start now start easy just use black keys go back & forth, "my turn/your turn" use accompaniments I play examples so y…

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PPP 347: Brock Chart with My-Melodies Publishing (sometimes our trajectory changes with the flip of a coin) 56:32

10M ago56:32

56:32

Enjoy this delightful conversation with Kansas piano teacher, award-winning composer, and founder of My-Melodies Publishing, Brock Chart. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/347

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PPP 346: ICYMI Replay of Musical Mystery Opus 1, No. 1 "Wishful Thinking" 21:49

10M ago21:49

21:49

200 episodes ago, I published my first musical mystery. I'm sharing it again today to prepare for the upcoming 200th anniversary of one of this composer's greatest hits! Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/346By Shelly Davis

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01 The Way to Teach Better is to Keep Learning 26:01

10M ago26:01

26:01

How do you improve your teaching and business? Professional Development! Sounds boring, but it's actually fun! In this episode, we talk about the many benefits of attending conferences: Get teaching ideas Learn how to run your business more effectively Travel Network Make new friends Watch great teaching demonstrations Shop for sheet music Listen t…

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Clinton Pratt Podcasts

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