What is Songs in My Head?

Songs in My Head is a blog where I review supplementary piano materials.

My goal is that piano teachers and parents of piano students will be able to find motivational material for their students that is accessible to them.

I'm sure every piano teacher has had this experience.  "Hi Mr./Mrs. So-and-so!  Guess what? We went to the music store and got this book!" The student, who has been studying for a year or two proceeds to show the teacher a book of songs from the latest Disney movie, or newest pop star, or current radio hit. There is no way their student, who has just mastered eighth notes, will be able to play both hands with such complex rhythms as dotted eighths and sixteenth notes.  What's a teacher to do?

I'm also sure that most young students have played the Star Wars theme at some point in their musical career.  It's great that there are "classic" songs.  However, when it comes to recital time and everyone wants to play the same song, things can get a little redundant.

 I know how that perfect song can really take a student from being bored or frustrated and renew their love of playing piano.  Because of that, I am always on the lookout for new music.  I enjoy when I can get together with piano teacher friends of mine and ask for recommendations.  I would much rather have a friend tell me about a great song than order something randomly from the internet hoping it will fit a student.

Songs in My Head is not going to say too much about method books.  I can tell you what I use, but I know each teacher has their favorite.  But I know that students studying any method can benefit from non-method book material now and again.

This blog will also not speak much about running a studio.  So much about studios depends on how many students you have, what area of the country you live in, what programs you offer, and your target students.  However, if I can highlight a piece, or a book that helps a single student, I know that's rewarding whether you teach one student or fifty-one.

I am trying to make Songs in My Head easy to navigate.  You will notice labels on the sidebar, and I will attempt to label songs in several different ways, by composer, publisher, level, but also by feel.  If you're looking for a fast song for a student, click on the "Fast" label.  If you're looking for music for an Elementary student, check the "Elementary" label.