060: Successful Online Teaching with Megan Maxwell and Lani Lammoglia

In today’s episode, we’re chatting with Megan Maxwell and Lani Lammoglia from Little Chords to discuss the world of successful online teaching. With their vast experience in early childhood music education, Megan and Lani share insights on blending digital and physical learning formats to engage young students effectively. They delve into their tech setup, the challenges they faced transitioning online, and how they've managed to cultivate vibrant, interactive music classes. Plus, they discuss their innovative approach to teaching preschoolers online and their newly published children's book designed to make music education fun and accessible. Join us as we explore these topics and more, offering a treasure trove of information for educators looking to optimize their online teaching methods.

• Megan and Lani shared their extensive backgrounds in music education and early childhood development.
• The importance of blending digital and physical learning for young students.
• They recounted the founding of Little Chords, emphasized the impact of online lessons, and their adaptation during the pandemic.
• The initial challenges and mistakes made in their online teaching journey.
• Their current successful model, featuring small, interactive classes and monthly masterclasses.
• Lani discussed the creativity involved in making engaging and effective resources for children.
• Their approach to making online preschool education effective, emphasizing flexibility and playfulness.
• Their tech setup, including the use of Zoom, OBS, and Canva for interactive lessons.
• Lani spoke about their combination of teaching Spanish language and music.
• The value of small group classes for enhanced student interaction and learning.
• Their method of gradually introducing piano technique to young students online.
• They talked about their newly published book for piano students, which integrates playful learning.

Links Mentioned

• Little Chords Website
• Little Chords Instagram Page
• Blog: Quality Online Piano, Keyboard, and Voice Lessons: Studio Technology that's Family Focused

Today’s Guest

With 20 years experience teaching piano, voice, and early childhood classes, Megan Maxwell combines her Early Childhood Development degree with extensive music studies. She creates interactive resources that blend digital and physical learning for young students. She focuses on the critical developmental years where children's curiosity can be channeled effectively,' Her innovative approach supports hands-on learning without keeping children glued to screens, making music and language education accessible for children, parents, and teachers.

Lani Lammoglia combines 14 years of teaching experience with her Early Childhood Psychology background from Venezuela and graduate studies in Flute and Vocal Performance. Beginning her own musical journey at age 5, she understands the value of early music education. 'Teaching is never boring with little kids. She loves meeting children where they are and guiding them to discover the joy in learning. Her innovative resources blend digital and physical elements that enhance online lessons while providing engaging materials for between-session learning, creating an interactive experience that supports children's curiosity without excessive screen time.

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 RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

Thank you for tuning in!

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