Advertise on podcast: Keys to Music Learning

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! 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 Part Two of our conversation with musician and educator James Kessler, we dive deeper into what it really looks like to teach through audiation—across instruments, ages, and experience levels. James shares candid reflections on his early discomfort with singing and movement, how vulnerability became a powerful teaching tool, and why mentorship is essential when learning to teach through Music Learning Theory. We explore meaningful connections between Music Moves for Piano, Jump Right In, and Developing Musicianship Through Improvisation, including how these approaches support advanced students, ensemble skills, improvisation, and true musical understanding. This episode also honors the profound influence of Marilyn Lowe, especially her deep understanding of child development and her insistence on centering the needs of the student over the agenda of the teacher. The conversation is honest, practical, and at times emotional—offering reassurance to teachers who may feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or “behind,” and encouragement to trust the process. Whether you teach piano, band, strings, mallet percussion, or are mentoring other teachers, this episode is a reminder that audiation-based teaching is not just for beginners—it’s a lifelong pathway to musicianship, joy, and connection. 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 episode of Keys to Music Learning, Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo welcome music educator James Kessler for a wide-ranging conversation about his musical journey and the experiences that shaped his audiation-centered teaching philosophy. James shares his early immersion in classical music, his love of jazz and improvisation, and his winding path through performance, composition, and music education. Along the way, he reflects on sound-before-sight learning, solfege, human development, and how working with neurodiverse students deeply influenced his teaching. Part 1 focuses on James’s background and the intuitive practices he used long before discovering Music Learning Theory—setting the stage for his eventual connection to audiation-based approaches such as Developing Musicianship through Improvisation, Jump Right In: The Instrumental Series, and Music Moves for Piano. Developing Musicianship through Improvisation, by Christopher Azzara and Richard Grunow Jump Right In: The Instrumental Series, by Richard Grunow, Edwin Gordon, and Christopher Azzara 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.

Hosts Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo welcome back Gregory Chase for part two of an in-depth discussion on Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—what it is, how it manifests in children and adults, and the surprising ways it can impact learning in and out of the piano studio. Greg shares his personal journey of discovery through his son’s experience, the diagnostic process, and how music, especially when grounded in Music Learning Theory (MLT), plays a pivotal role in remediation. Ars Nova de Audiation Music Moves for Kids 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 eye-opening episode of Keys to Music Learning, hosts Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo welcome back Gregory Chase for an in-depth discussion on Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—what it is, how it manifests in children and adults, and the surprising ways it can impact learning in and out of the piano studio. Greg shares his personal journey of discovery through his son’s experience, the diagnostic process, and how music, especially when grounded in Music Learning Theory (MLT), plays a pivotal role in remediation. Educators and parents alike will gain valuable insights into spotting early signs of APD, approaching families with care, and tailoring music lessons to support neurodivergent students. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or simply curious, this episode will change the way you think about sound, learning, and the transformational power of music. 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 Part 2 of our chat with Gary Pederson, we discuss his journey with Marilyn Lowe. He recounts meeting Marilyn at Missouri State University after a horseback riding accident, where she took over his classes, and how they collaborated on creating a preparatory department with music classes for young children. He also discusses the evolution of his teaching methods and the importance of audiation-based instruction, expressing optimism for its future. 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.

Gary Pederson, a Steinway artist and former professor at Eastern Michigan University, shares his journey into music learning theory (MLT) and emphasizes the importance of audiation in teaching. He recounts his early musical experiences, including informal learning and formal lessons. Pederson also discusses the practical application of MLT with advanced students, focusing on memory and memorization, and the overuse of music notation, referencing Guido of Arezzo's historical context. 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.

Sarah Boyd joins Keys to Music Learning to discuss emergent music literacy, notational audiation, and effective strategies for teaching reading and writing with an audiation-based approach. In this episode, we discuss: Sarah’s journey into researching music literacyHow emergent music literacy prepares students for notationKey research findings on notational audiation and its cognitive processesThe role of keyboard feel in the reading and writing processPractical activities for introducing notation informallyHow Sarah integrates emergent literacy into her teachingThe impact of reading and writing book clubs for Sarah's studentsRecommended resources for teachers looking to deepen their understandingListen now and discover new insights into music literacy! Show Notes: Books & Research Mentioned: Musicianship-Focused Curriculum and Assessment – Colleen Conway (Ed.)Weaving It All Together – Heather ShouldiceThinking and Playing Music – Sheryl IottThe Ways Children Learn Music – Eric BluestinePiano Patterns – Andy MullenResearch Studies: The Mental Representation of Music Notation – Brodsky (2008)Thinking in an Objective Measure of Notation-Evoked Sound Imagery (2018)Emergent Music Literacy Study – Dr. Suzanne BurtonPractical Tools & Websites: Thinking in Music Audiation TestEric Bluestine’s BlogMusic Learning Academy Webinars (featuring Sarah Boyd)Connect with Sarah Boyd: Instagram: @PianoVineStudio 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.

Eric Bluestine returns to discuss the concept of partial synthesis and its crucial role in Music Learning Theory. He breaks down common misconceptions, explains how patterns connect to real music, and offers insights into fostering creativity and generalization in students. This conversation dives deep into the philosophy behind MLT and provides practical applications for piano teachers. • Understanding partial synthesis and why it matters • Addressing misconceptions about Music Learning Theory • The significance of whole-part-whole learning in music education • How generalization and creativity work together in musical development • Practical strategies for integrating MLT in piano lessons • Encouraging improvisation as a tool for deeper musical understanding • The role of movement-based activities in reinforcing rhythm and tonality • Exploring Eric’s blog and its impact on MLT discussions LINKS The Ways Children Learn Music, by Eric Bluestine Blog: The Ways Children Learn Music, by Eric Bluestine 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.

Eric Bluestine shares his journey from vibrant public school music educator to private piano instructor, delving into the lessons learned along the way. The conversation focuses on adaptability in teaching methods, the importance of Music Learning Theory, and Eric's experiences writing a foundational book for music educators. • Eric’s transition from public education to private lessons • Reflecting on the challenges faced in music teaching • The limitations of traditional page-by-page learning • Strategies for engaging young students in music • Introduction to Music Learning Theory and its significance • The process of writing "The Ways Children Learn Music"  • Encouragement to rethink teaching practices in music  • Importance of fostering listening skills in students  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 the third and final deep dive into keyboard technique, Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson share heartwarming stories about their experiences with Marilyn Lowe, the creator of Music Moves for Piano. They also emphasize the benefits of incorporating group musicianship and choir into piano lessons, helping students progress faster and more holistically. By combining private lessons with group sessions, they foster technical development, aural skills, and social bonds, creating a dynamic, supportive learning environment for young musicians. 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.

Hannah and Krista continue their discussion with Celeste Watson and Scarlette Kerr, highlighting the significance of blending audiation, biomechanics, and research-based methods in piano teaching, emphasizing a growth mindset and the patience needed to see long-term benefits. Scarlette's Webinars The Embodiment of Rhythmic Audiation at the Piano Technique and Young Beginners : Development of motor skills and application to Keyboard Games The Technique Checklist: Sequencing Tips to Monitor and Guide Student Technical Development 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.

After a summer off, we're back with a technical development deep dive. This episode, part 1 of 3, features a discussion centered around piano pedagogy, injury-preventative techniques, and Music Learning Theory (MLT). Hannah and Krista were delighted to speak with piano educators Scarlette Kerr and Celeste Watson, who share insights from their experiences and training in the Gordon Institute of Music Learning (GIML) and the Lister-Sink Injury Preventative Keyboard Technique program. Scarlette's Webinars The Embodiment of Rhythmic Audiation at the Piano Technique and Young Beginners : Development of motor skills and application to Keyboard Games The Technique Checklist: Sequencing Tips to Monitor and Guide Student Technical Development 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 last episode with Janna Olson, she discusses the amazing skills developed in Books 4 and 5 of Marilyn Lowe's Music Moves for Piano curriculum. Use the code AUDIATE for 25% off Janna's webinars Learning through Play: Games and resources for activities to reinforce skills and build audiation and Beyond the Notes: An enriched aural approach to piano repertoire. Links: Janna's Q&A on the Music Learning Academy YouTube channel Janna's community chat on the Keys to Music Learning Podcast - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 Janna's mini-webinar on Music Aptitude on the Music Learning Academy YouTube channel 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 episode, Hannah and Krista continue their chat with Janna Olson, finishing their conversation about the Music Moves for Piano Christmas books and moving on to a deep dive of Book 3. 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.