Welcome to The Scrappy Piano Teacher
Hey friend. I am Jaclyn, but you can call me Jaci. I help independent piano teachers untangle the work of teaching so they can build sustainable studios without burnout or guilt. Around here you will find simple teaching ideas, honest conversations, and tools that help you enjoy your work again.
Studio Life Made Simpler.
Smart ideas and real conversations for independent piano teachers who want clarity, confidence, and a studio that actually fits their life
Teacher Favorites
If you’ve been searching for help writing studio policies or looking for a studio calendar template for music teachers, this toolkit will help you finally get it done without the overwhelm.
At the heart of this resource is my Scrappy Studio Policies Workbook, designed specifically for independent music teachers who want clear, practical, and professional policies that reflect their values.
Inside the workbook, you’ll find:
✔️ A step-by-step guide to help you write your music studio policies with clarity and confidence
✔️ Thoughtful prompts so you can make decisions and actually stick to them
✔️ A space to map out your music studio calendar with flexibility in mind
This isn’t about creating the perfect policy. It’s about creating one that works for you, protects your time, and sets expectations for your studio families.
If you’re ready to stop googling how to write piano studio policies or downloading free policy templates that don’t fit your teaching style, this toolkit will walk you through the process start to finish.
Give your December lessons a lift with this ready to go collection of games, activities, and printables for groups, partners, and private students.
The goal is simple. You open the file and teach. Students stay engaged. You stay sane during the busiest month of the year.
This pack includes activities that work for mixed ages and mixed levels. You can use them for one student or twenty. Everything is flexible so you can mix and match based on your class length and your group size. Many teachers use the pack for holiday parties, studio events, last minute sub plans, and lesson weeks where time and energy feel low.
Inside the pack you will find:
● A themed warmup students can do together
● A black key improv activity
● A set of holiday rhythm cards (with TWO games!)
● A composing prompt that works for beginners
● Listening Sheet for performance style classes
● Symbol Hunt to keep hands busy
● Instructions for the easiest winter ornament craft
● Teacher instructions for every activity
● Printable pages ready for immediate use with NO PRINT options too!
Teachers can stretch these activities across multiple classes, use them as rotations, or offer them as a single December party. Nothing requires prep beyond printing, if that.
If you want a December lesson plan that keeps students smiling without you doing extra work, this pack is for you.
Turn recital season into a growth opportunity for your students AND yourself.
This printable toolkit includes a student reflection page and a teacher audit sheet to help process, improve, and plan for the next performance. Simple and effective.
