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<h3>Happy Spring Break, Folks!</h3>Whether you're hanging out at home or travelling by planes/trains/automobiles, I thought you might enjoy some iPad music games! Most of these were actually created by piano teachers in one of my <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/search/groups/?q=piano%20groups&amp;sde=Abo6mQGTwumSH8ghiQqAvvjPX7NFviMO4wSBhxr6grIQwUayjg5k0ye5FNdIS2HCiLkkJOB-TfP5YV29lVJ9zt3H" href="https://www.facebook.com/search/groups/?q=piano%20groups&amp;sde=Abo6mQGTwumSH8ghiQqAvvjPX7NFviMO4wSBhxr6grIQwUayjg5k0ye5FNdIS2HCiLkkJOB-TfP5YV29lVJ9zt3H" target="_blank" rel="noopener">piano Facebook groups</a> and I'm excited to share them with you.<h3>SproutBeat</h3><figure id="figure-hrzs80x8jdlu91nqx8"><img id="hrzs80x8jdlu91nqx8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24gFRj1f7JvvYnnfi8FA6FXSYf81Mbabs9lVscw2ETsR0ImlyDXhLHUUGIEskBX2.png" alt="sproutbeat.com home page" title="sproutbeat.com home page" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24gFRj1f7JvvYnnfi8FA6FXSYf81Mbabs9lVscw2ETsR0ImlyDXhLHUUGIEskBX2.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>I want to first acknowledge that not everyone has an iPad and that even folks who do often prefer web-based games. The tricky thing about many web-based games is the ads. The site I see music teachers recommending the most - which was developed by music teachers in our group - is <a data-mce-href="https://sproutbeat.com" href="https://sproutbeat.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sproutbeat.com</a>. SproutBeat has over 50 free music games with no ads!&nbsp;<h3>The Most Amazing Sheep Game</h3><figure id="figure-261qhkrwidlu91qoxf"><img id="261qhkrwidlu91qoxf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1daeuzEO0F51Ya381DQrIjhbFEYGOdl931uGWV7CAPRvTIg8u0sFKnUU13kVStu4.png" alt="The Most Amazing Sheep Game Level 1" title="The Most Amazing Sheep Game Level 1" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1daeuzEO0F51Ya381DQrIjhbFEYGOdl931uGWV7CAPRvTIg8u0sFKnUU13kVStu4.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><a data-mce-href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-most-amazing-sheep-game/id550921301" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-most-amazing-sheep-game/id550921301" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Most Amazing Sheep Game</a> (or T-M-A-S-G as it reads on the iPad lol) is a favorite among piano teachers. It is one of the best builders of musicality, rhythm and piano technique of any iPad game. It's easy to learn and play for kids as young as 4 and an effective skill-builder for all ages. It's also just FUN.Costs $.99 and there are no in-app purchases.<h3>Rhythm Trainer</h3><figure id="figure-txwtw2mscrlu91voa7"><img id="txwtw2mscrlu91voa7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22kjHav4ldalBNPHENAoBvghsDAgcw3wD4Som3mQjHfnGNft4WQKLlNFZ1kO14UC.png" alt="Rhythm Trainer iPad Game level 1 quarter notes" title="Rhythm Trainer iPad Game level 1 quarter notes" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 45% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22kjHav4ldalBNPHENAoBvghsDAgcw3wD4Som3mQjHfnGNft4WQKLlNFZ1kO14UC.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 45% 45%;"></figure><a data-mce-href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Music Rhythm Trainer</a> is the full title of this app and what it lacks in bells and whistles it makes up for in killer rhythm training. You don't just tap rhythms that you hear, you get to see/read them at the same time which builds the most important element of music reading. This one is consistently recommended by piano teachers and is a great addition to both kids and adults practice time! Ages 4+.The game is free with the full game available as an in-app purchase for $4.99.<h3>Staff Wars</h3><figure id="figure-19thmy0qr8lu91yv36"><img id="19thmy0qr8lu91yv36" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36P0dNk9CTz1vFk425UKZDEeDemxbT0AqUV6p0jARTdbZ2pbbb84atvvIq7e8Ush.png" alt="Staff Wars iPad game Level 1" title="Staff Wars iPad game Level 1" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36P0dNk9CTz1vFk425UKZDEeDemxbT0AqUV6p0jARTdbZ2pbbb84atvvIq7e8Ush.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><a data-mce-href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/staffwars/id810405576" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/staffwars/id810405576" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Staff Wars</a> is a favorite among teachers of all instruments because you can focus on reading one clef at a time. It reminds me a bit of the old Parsec game and was created by a piano teacher from my group, just like T-M-A -S-G. The game says it's for 4+ but most kids that young haven't begun learning the staff. Within my studio, I'd recommend it for students ages 5 and up.Costs $1.29 and there are no in-app purchases.<h3>NinGenius</h3><figure id="figure-k6h6ark4wnlu92ljx6"><img id="k6h6ark4wnlu92ljx6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/27FSeMCMDpZJq0iBkSmw1YdcA88Gf02e3P99ehuTpQQccC6riXgtdpyI3zc1FVeA.png" alt="NinGenius iPad game Level 1" title="NinGenius iPad game Level 1" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/27FSeMCMDpZJq0iBkSmw1YdcA88Gf02e3P99ehuTpQQccC6riXgtdpyI3zc1FVeA.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure><a data-mce-href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ningenius-piano/id1478974717" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ningenius-piano/id1478974717" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NinGenius</a> has been around for awhile and kids tend to love it. It is maybe my least favorite to play of all of these, and that is maybe why it is so appealing to kids lol. It is an extensive music theory course that allows students to work up to a black belt in multiple areas. Teachers and students alike highly recommend this one.The cost is $.99 and there are no in-app purchases.<h3>Earpeggio</h3><figure id="figure-www54wpnvglu92opbl"><img id="www54wpnvglu92opbl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3bFN1kvMkuQwud0uYmRC1LVq5SBUDD4eIQ495GFh2gBTFTuBVAxhXA4qHSc2XOby.png" alt="Earpeggio iPad music game level 1" title="Earpeggio iPad music game level 1" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3bFN1kvMkuQwud0uYmRC1LVq5SBUDD4eIQ495GFh2gBTFTuBVAxhXA4qHSc2XOby.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure><a data-mce-href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earpeggio/id884775105" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earpeggio/id884775105" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Earpeggio</a> is a terrific ear-training app that teachers have been recommending for years now. Aural skills are a huge part of music training and most of us aren't getting enough time in this area. One of my professors always said "listen three times as much as you play" - a difficult task, especially with the amount of focus needed. I'll go so far as to say: ear-training apps are essential for budding musicians. The next two games are also exclusively ear-training apps.This app is free with no in-app purchases.<h3>Fuctional Ear Trainer</h3><figure id="figure-vaq38f4nklu92qyok"><img id="vaq38f4nklu92qyok" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17wG5ZTdTg4RAEPbNqVG6Y6F3a3AxuJjSMuDDP32UYSlh6RMD6EbUq8KfHdY935T.png" alt="Functional Ear Trainer iPad music game" title="Functional Ear Trainer iPad music game" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17wG5ZTdTg4RAEPbNqVG6Y6F3a3AxuJjSMuDDP32UYSlh6RMD6EbUq8KfHdY935T.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure>As you can probably guess from the photo and the title, <a data-mce-href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/functional-ear-trainer/id1088761926" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/functional-ear-trainer/id1088761926" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Functional Ear Trainer</a> is not gamified like a lot of the others games in this email, but it's easily one of the most powerful skill builders. It teaches pitch recognition (playing by ear) through solfege (do, re, mi, fa...) and emphasizes the relationships between the notes. I'll be playing this entire game to brush up my skills and highly recomend it to students and their families. Ages 4+.Free with no in-app purchases.<h3>Complete Ear Trainer</h3><figure id="figure-hnduof4m1flu92uoc8"><img id="hnduof4m1flu92uoc8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0KY1CuDx22mFZdKaGFpsXVX0YlyPa3yc2zp1ZzquG4g4OkmcdKWqPe2PcNVtz0tv.png" alt="Complete Ear Trainer iPad music app main screen with view of first 5 levels" title="Complete Ear Trainer iPad music app main screen with view of first 5 levels" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0KY1CuDx22mFZdKaGFpsXVX0YlyPa3yc2zp1ZzquG4g4OkmcdKWqPe2PcNVtz0tv.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure><a data-mce-href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-ear-trainer/id1012455471" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-ear-trainer/id1012455471" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Complete Ear Trainer</a> is an excellent ear-training app that gives one of the best visuals of intervals - the building blocks of every melodic and harmonic thing we do as musicians. We study intervals throughout the Piano Adventures books and that makes this app a great practice time activity for both kids and adults.The game is free but access to the full version is an in-app purchase of $5.99.<h3>Wimbo</h3><figure id="figure-rzfrym3salu92xlr2"><img id="rzfrym3salu92xlr2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35YhpIfzD7J3nSz2S1URzjEZdl48iSdiaqhhuVAoiq3mvajMuWBhYtybpQBOZvat.png" alt="Wimbo piano tutor iPad music game level 1 baby chick walking toward the letter C with keyboard at bottom of screen" title="Wimbo piano tutor iPad music game level 1 baby chick walking toward the letter C with keyboard at bottom of screen" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35YhpIfzD7J3nSz2S1URzjEZdl48iSdiaqhhuVAoiq3mvajMuWBhYtybpQBOZvat.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><a data-mce-href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/learn-music-wimbo-piano-tutor/id1630555349" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/learn-music-wimbo-piano-tutor/id1630555349" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn Music: Wimbo Piano Tutor</a> is the full game title and it features this chick (pictured above) who has the cutest walk and the funniest dance moves. Also designed by a teacher from our group and also truly excellent and so fun. Covers sight reading, rhythm, ear training, keyboard geography, notes and chords and has no ads. For ages 4+.The app is free with an in-app purchase of $4.99 for the full game.<h3>My Singing Monsters</h3><figure id="figure-v5t76er37lu9307fg"><img id="v5t76er37lu9307fg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36RX2P9l21f06dGVIusnAiifYdhNWgUPXyNa2j4E1ZPxNmMm7fAY9OyogJ4WonJA.png" alt="My Singing Monsters iPad music game " title="My Singing Monsters iPad music game " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36RX2P9l21f06dGVIusnAiifYdhNWgUPXyNa2j4E1ZPxNmMm7fAY9OyogJ4WonJA.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure><a data-mce-href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-singing-monsters/id521671873" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-singing-monsters/id521671873" target="_blank" rel="noopener">My Singing Monsters</a> is a bit of an outlier lol. It was not developed by a teacher as far as I know and doesn't teach you to read music or improve your rhythm. But. This game has been talked about in our group quite a lot because of the ways it helps kids fall in love with composition. More than one teacher has posted that they're getting new students who are interested in composition from day 1 and the commonality is that these kids have all been playing My Singing Monsters.This game is free but has multiple opportunities for in-app purchases. There are many more music games out there! I hope you enjoy any of these that look interesting to you and if you find one you like that's not on this list, I'd love to know about it!&nbsp;Interested in learning to play? <a data-mce-href="https://portland-piano-lessons.com/registration" href="https://portland-piano-lessons.com/registration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register</a> for online lessons today! Looking for the coolest piano tees on the West Coast? Head to our <a data-mce-href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/portlandpianolessons/?etsrc=sdt" href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/portlandpianolessons/?etsrc=sdt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etsy Shop</a>!

Best iPad Music Games for Kids and Adults

I've taught piano both in-person and online for 15 years and I've chosen <a data-mce-href="https://portland-piano-lessons.com/registration" href="https://portland-piano-lessons.com/registration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online-only lessons</a> because I've consistently found them to be more effective than in person lessons for most people. Students tend to learn more material per lesson and retain that material more effectively.I think that's due to a combination of the students being able to play on their home piano + the amount of playing back and forth that we're able to do because we're each sitting at a piano + the close up views of the keys and music that the camera is able to accomplish + the option for the student to do the whole thing in PJs lol.But this format is VERY new in the long history of piano teaching and that involves some adjustments.QUESTIONS1. What device should I use for the lesson? My first answer to this is: whatever you've got! If you have an <a data-mce-href="https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipad" href="https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iPad</a>, that can be particularly nice for younger kids especially. If your resources are plentiful, it's wonderful to have two devices available for lessons. Use your phone for the lesson call and have your iPad ready for reading digital sheet music and working with the APP.&nbsp;2. &nbsp;Where do I put the phone/tablet/laptop? Ideally, close to your face with a good view of your hands. I'm going to get into the details more in the Challenges section.&nbsp;CHALLENGES1. Playing duets - This is, for me, the biggest bummer of online lessons. It's nearly impossible to play duets together.&nbsp;The primary purpose of teacher duets with the student is to challenge the student to be able to continue to play their part while other notes and rhythms are playing. While I will go on continuing to miss live duets, the <a data-mce-href="https://pianoadventures.com/resources/piano-adventures-player-app/" href="https://pianoadventures.com/resources/piano-adventures-player-app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faber app</a> has each of those duets recorded with multi-instrumental tracks that the students play along with regularly. Because of that app, people get more duet-playing time than ever before and can access it all week long.2. Technical difficulties: hearing/seeing each other well - I bet you already know a lot of tricks for this... closing out any other open apps on your device, restarting your WiFi if needed and even restarting your device if needed tends to get our video reception where it needs to be.&nbsp;For FaceTime folks, there's a fairly new audio setting that can make a world of difference.&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/this-hidden-iphone-setting-makes-your-facetimes-sound-clearer/" href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/this-hidden-iphone-setting-makes-your-facetimes-sound-clearer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">During a FaceTime call, open the Control Center and make sure the audio setting is "Wide Spectrum."</a>&nbsp; Once you've set it, it'll remain until you change it.3. Seeing students' technique &nbsp;- This part is really just a matter of camera set-up. As I mentioned earlier, it's great to have options:<figure id="figure-qm2zabvjvjltj24vem"><img id="qm2zabvjvjltj24vem" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2BeQ1O59q2HwlffGV53x4KKYosCnaSlEofoquypRMgmfDMrW0lI4czeUpiMa2ydT.jpg" alt="Piano student smiling at teacher during online piano lesson" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2BeQ1O59q2HwlffGV53x4KKYosCnaSlEofoquypRMgmfDMrW0lI4czeUpiMa2ydT.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>Front view. This can be accomplished by simply resting your tablet/phone on the piano music stand. It's excellent for teaching sheet music and/or book assignments, helping students 6 and under read their music, and relationship-building with students of all ages.<figure id="figure-kbkjh9xd2iltj261p5"><img id="kbkjh9xd2iltj261p5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dE20G8RX7d4IE5bJuBXyIgq2b30WXIGHRgpT54idnKyYZ2xaBalJEqHje4b569O.jpg" alt="Piano." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dE20G8RX7d4IE5bJuBXyIgq2b30WXIGHRgpT54idnKyYZ2xaBalJEqHje4b569O.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Side view. For this, you'll likely need a stand. If there's a table near your piano, <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/MoKo-Tablet-Foldable-Multi-Angle-Holder/dp/B017TU5KMQ/ref=sr_1_6?crid=28X5NXLJOUPFL&amp;keywords=phone%2Btablet%2Bstand%2Btabletop&amp;qid=1694724705&amp;sprefix=phone%2Btablet%2Bstand%2Btabletop%2Caps%2C173&amp;sr=8-6&amp;th=1" href="https://www.amazon.com/MoKo-Tablet-Foldable-Multi-Angle-Holder/dp/B017TU5KMQ/ref=sr_1_6?crid=28X5NXLJOUPFL&amp;keywords=phone%2Btablet%2Bstand%2Btabletop&amp;qid=1694724705&amp;sprefix=phone%2Btablet%2Bstand%2Btabletop%2Caps%2C173&amp;sr=8-6&amp;th=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a tabletop stand </a>could do the trick. If you'd like a bit <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/AboveTEK-Business-Aluminum-Professional-Showroom/dp/B07KJLBG8G/ref=sr_1_16?crid=28X5NXLJOUPFL&amp;keywords=phone%2Btablet%2Bstand%2Btabletop&amp;qid=1694724705&amp;sprefix=phone%2Btablet%2Bstand%2Btabletop%2Caps%2C173&amp;sr=8-16&amp;th=1" href="https://www.amazon.com/AboveTEK-Business-Aluminum-Professional-Showroom/dp/B07KJLBG8G/ref=sr_1_16?crid=28X5NXLJOUPFL&amp;keywords=phone%2Btablet%2Bstand%2Btabletop&amp;qid=1694724705&amp;sprefix=phone%2Btablet%2Bstand%2Btabletop%2Caps%2C173&amp;sr=8-16&amp;th=1">more flexibility from your tabletop stand, this is a good option</a>. You can also setup a side view <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Elitehood-Holder-Microphone-Aluminum-Adapter/dp/B08S2WKKNS/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.1c86ab1a-a73c-4131-85f1-15bd92ae152d%3Aamzn1.sym.1c86ab1a-a73c-4131-85f1-15bd92ae152d&amp;crid=1MAB55PX10FJT&amp;cv_ct_cx=mic+stand+phone+tablet+holder&amp;keywords=mic+stand+phone+tablet+holder&amp;pd_rd_i=B08S2WKKNS&amp;pd_rd_r=2b8015c0-9701-45ab-bed3-13c28eab3f76&amp;pd_rd_w=GyVy9&amp;pd_rd_wg=wcbdf&amp;pf_rd_p=1c86ab1a-a73c-4131-85f1-15bd92ae152d&amp;pf_rd_r=B8QGDASG3EBKW2WAJ54V&amp;qid=1694724570&amp;sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=tablet+phone+holder+mic%2Caps%2C194&amp;sr=1-2-364cf978-ce2a-480a-9bb0-bdb96faa0f61-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&amp;psc=1#customerReviews" href="https://www.amazon.com/Elitehood-Holder-Microphone-Aluminum-Adapter/dp/B08S2WKKNS/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.1c86ab1a-a73c-4131-85f1-15bd92ae152d%3Aamzn1.sym.1c86ab1a-a73c-4131-85f1-15bd92ae152d&amp;crid=1MAB55PX10FJT&amp;cv_ct_cx=mic+stand+phone+tablet+holder&amp;keywords=mic+stand+phone+tablet+holder&amp;pd_rd_i=B08S2WKKNS&amp;pd_rd_r=2b8015c0-9701-45ab-bed3-13c28eab3f76&amp;pd_rd_w=GyVy9&amp;pd_rd_wg=wcbdf&amp;pf_rd_p=1c86ab1a-a73c-4131-85f1-15bd92ae152d&amp;pf_rd_r=B8QGDASG3EBKW2WAJ54V&amp;qid=1694724570&amp;sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=tablet+phone+holder+mic%2Caps%2C194&amp;sr=1-2-364cf978-ce2a-480a-9bb0-bdb96faa0f61-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&amp;psc=1#customerReviews" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by attaching a phone/tablet holder to a standing lamp</a>&nbsp;(or mic stand, if you're fancy :) ).Side view shows me the full picture of a student's technique, which includes not only their hands, but also their posture. It's also terrific for recording, whether I do a screen recording during the lesson or the student sets up their own device for recording.There's one other option that allows for all of the above and the only thing we miss with this is getting to check out posture:<figure id="figure-z1zo9v5jxltj27ypm"><img id="z1zo9v5jxltj27ypm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33zcmefvLjrdhW6RzZCuZFs8kUWjNtd1wah8GYmS2lFDFOrQ9081YY1VrXFxxWUw.jpg" alt="Piano Student playing with round hands during an online piano lesson" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33zcmefvLjrdhW6RzZCuZFs8kUWjNtd1wah8GYmS2lFDFOrQ9081YY1VrXFxxWUw.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>Above/Front view. As you can see, this provides a great view of the hands and allows us to see and hear each other easily. This is the view I use most myself and is most easily accomplished with <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Gooseneck-Tablet-Holder-Kitchen-Toilet/dp/B09PV61484/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LK2F8M3WK0UT&amp;keywords=Gooseneck+Wall+Mount+Tablet+Phone+Holder+for+Bed+Kitchen+Toilet+Office%2C+Wall+Tablet+Phone+Stand%3A+Flexible+Arm+Clip+Tablet+Wall+Mount%2C+Compatible+with+iPhone...&amp;qid=1694816527&amp;s=electronics&amp;sprefix=gooseneck+wall+mount+tablet+phone+holder+for+bed+kitchen+toilet+office%2C+wall+tablet+phone+stand+flexible+arm+clip+tablet+wall+mount%2C+compatible+with+iphone...%2Celectronics%2C167&amp;sr=1-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Gooseneck-Tablet-Holder-Kitchen-Toilet/dp/B09PV61484/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LK2F8M3WK0UT&amp;keywords=Gooseneck+Wall+Mount+Tablet+Phone+Holder+for+Bed+Kitchen+Toilet+Office%2C+Wall+Tablet+Phone+Stand%3A+Flexible+Arm+Clip+Tablet+Wall+Mount%2C+Compatible+with+iPhone...&amp;qid=1694816527&amp;s=electronics&amp;sprefix=gooseneck+wall+mount+tablet+phone+holder+for+bed+kitchen+toilet+office%2C+wall+tablet+phone+stand+flexible+arm+clip+tablet+wall+mount%2C+compatible+with+iphone...%2Celectronics%2C167&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a stand attached to the wall behind the piano/keyboard</a>. TIPSFinally, a few tips:1. Setup before lesson: have all current piano books ready plus a pencil, a metronome if you use one and a bottle of water or other drink if you like.2. Keep assignments handy at the piano.3. Keep piano and the area around the piano clean of any items that aren't used for lessons/playing to increase focus both during lessons and practice.4. Have a plan for receiving and reading assignments... printing or writing them into your own notebooks works best for kids. Viewing digitally works well for adults!5. Have a plan for receiving and reading sheet music... printing or viewing digitally* (same notes as above) *if viewing digitally, it's helpful to have a way to write on the PDF &nbsp; If you experience a challenge with online lessons that I have't addressed, please let me know! I'd love to help you explore solutions!All the best, Sarah

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