039: Creative Recital Ideas with Olivia Ellis

The power of creativity can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and today’s guest exemplifies that truth in her approach to piano teaching and recitals. In this episode, we are joined by the distinguished piano and pedagogy professor, Dr. Olivia Ellis, from Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Olivia is renowned for her innovative teaching methods and as an editor for Piano Magazine and the author of the Easy Piano Lead Sheets and Chord Charts series. She shares how her upbringing, with a crafty mother and inspiring teachers, shaped her passion for creativity in music education. Tune in to learn how her creative recitals and teaching strategies can elevate your students' performances and create unforgettable musical experiences.

• Olivia shared a brief overview of her background and her roles in the piano teaching community.
• She shares her passion for creative teaching inspired by her mother and past teachers.
• Her preferred piano resources, favorite books and tools.
• Overview of Olivia's unique themed recitals.
• Importance of using creative ideas in teaching both young children and college students.
• How Olivia involves students in the planning and execution of creative recitals.
• Advice and tips for teachers feeling overwhelmed or on a budget.
• Olivia shares exciting future projects, including concerts and student recitals.
• Importance of integrating lead sheets in lessons for practical skills.
• Tips on how to start and progress with teaching lead sheets to students.

Links Mentioned

• Olivia Ellis Website - Creative Piano Teacher
• Creative Piano Teacher Instagram Page
• Creative Piano Teacher Facebook Page
• Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here

Today’s Guest

Dr. Olivia Ellis teaches piano, group piano, pedagogy, and chamber music at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. She's an editor for Piano Magazine and has published several books including the Easy Piano Lead Sheets and Chord Charts series. She's constantly creating new activities and games to teach concepts, and loves helping other teachers find their niche.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

• Visit her website at https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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