In this Between Lessons episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista and Hannah chat about students who do not practice, have not yet been inspired to practice, or who practice sporadically because of busy schedules and life.

They talk about ways Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory can help alleviate frustrations that may come up when students do not practice.

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

In this Between Lessons episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista and Hannah chat about module ideas, including a studio folk song project and recital, using modules for teacher brain breaks, and more!

Mentioned in this episode, is Sarah Boyd's Boogie and Blues webinar.

For more information and to register for a PDLC, visit the Gordon Institute for Music Learning.

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

Support Keys to Music Learning through the Keys to Music Learning Community!

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

Support Keys to Music Learning through the Keys to Music Learning Community!

Join us on Facebook!
Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

In this Between Lessons episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista and Hannah chat about summer Professional Development Levels Courses through the Gordon Institute for Music Learning. There are a variety of offerings for Summer 2026, including piano courses taught by Krista and Hannah!

For more information and to register for a PDLC, visit the Gordon Institute for Music Learning.

Support Keys to Music Learning through the Keys to Music Learning Community!

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

Support Keys to Music Learning through the Keys to Music Learning Community!

Join us on Facebook!
Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

In this special archival episode, we're honored to share a thoughtful 2021 Q&A with Marilyn Lowe, founder of Music Moves for Piano. Marilyn reflects on her early teaching successes and the moment she realized something deeper was missing in her students’ musicianship. Through her discovery of Edwin E. Gordon’s Music Learning Theory, she found a new path forward.

In this conversation, she offers practical guidance on developing audiation, supporting students’ singing and pattern learning, and helping young musicians grow into confident, independent readers and creators. This episode is a beautiful reminder that true musical understanding goes far beyond the notes on the page.

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

In this Between Lessons episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista and Hannah dive into one of their favorite topics: props! From rhythm sticks and bean bags to pom poms and stretchy bands, they explore how simple materials can transform early childhood classes and beginning piano lessons.

You’ll hear practical, creative ways to use props to strengthen macrobeat and microbeat awareness, support body coordination, prepare keyboard technique, and keep the musical mind fully engaged—all without breaking context. Whether you teach toddlers, keyboard classes, or even high school students, this episode will spark fresh ideas and challenge you to get more mileage out of the props you already own.

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

In this first “Between Lessons” quick chat, Krista and Hannah dive into the world of early childhood music education, sharing fresh experiments, big questions, and joyful discoveries from their classrooms.

Krista returns to teaching early childhood at a Montessori school and reflects on the power of immersion, play, and patience. Hannah shares how a summer seminar reshaped her thinking about music literacy, leading her to experiment with looping, overlapping class structures, and emergent music reading.

If you teach young children, or want to better understand where audiation begins, this episode is full of practical ideas and encouragement.

Show Notes
Unveiling Artistry in Early Childhood by Mary Ellen Pinzino
Sarah Boyd, pianovinestudio.com
Joy Morin, colorinmypiano.com

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Amy Chaplin, we go deeper into the messy middle of learning and teaching through Music Learning Theory (MLT). Amy reflects honestly on feeling overwhelmed early in her MLT journey, how those experiences shaped her empathy for teachers, and why “micro progressions” have become central to both her teaching and her professional work.

We talk about tonalities, singing, and audiation, the emotional responses MLT can bring up for teachers, and what it means to share research-based ideas without making others feel “wrong.” Amy also shares the story behind Piano Pantry, her organization coaching, retreats, podcast, and her growing readiness to speak more openly about MLT and tonal learning.

This episode is an encouraging reminder that discomfort is not a sign of failure — it’s often a sign that real learning is happening.

Show Notes
Piano Pantry blog & podcast: https://pianopantry.com
Piano Pantry Podcast: https://pianopantry.com/podcast
Instagram: @pianopantryamy
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Everyday Musicality Podcast with Heather Shouldice
Music Learning Theory & the work of Edwin E. Gordon
Marilyn Lowe’s Keyboard Games from Music Moves for Piano

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.

In this episode of Keys to Music Learning, we sit down with pianist, teacher, blogger, and podcaster Amy Chaplin for an honest and thoughtful conversation about her journey as a music educator. Amy shares how her background in choral education shaped her teaching, the moments that left her wanting more for her students, and how she eventually found her way to Music Learning Theory.

We talk about discovering MLT through graduate studies and professional development, the realities of experimenting with new approaches in the piano studio, and the freedom that comes from letting go of “doing it perfectly.” Amy offers practical insights into incorporating singing, audiation, creativity, and micro-progressions into lessons—while still honoring your own teaching style and your students’ needs.

This is a rich, relatable conversation for teachers who are curious about MLT, already using Music Moves for Piano, or simply looking for a more musical, flexible, and student-centered way forward.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive even deeper into Amy’s teaching practices and studio work.

Show Notes

Amy Chaplin
The Piano Pantry Podcast
Music Learning Theory (Edwin E. Gordon)
Music Moves for Piano (Marilyn Lowe)
Keyboard Games (Marilyn Lowe)
Professional Development Leadership Conference (PDLC)

Support Keys to Music Learning through the Keys to Music Learning Community!

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Introduction to Audiation-based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano

Ready to learn more about audiation-based piano instruction and Music Moves for Piano? Visit Music Learning Academy for online courses, webinars, and resources.

Want to dive into audiation-based piano instruction? Check out Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe.