Studio Spotlight: Our “Top Bananas” from Ensemble Festival 🍌

At our recent Ensemble Festival, something special happened.

Yes, there were polished performances and exciting moments on stage—but what stood out even more was what happened behind the scenes.

Our “Top Bananas” in action—teamwork, courage, and commitment on full display. 🍌💛

We’re starting to recognize our Top Banana Award recipients—students who went above and beyond in ways that don’t always show up in a performance.

💛 Some worked tirelessly for weeks to master their parts with no breaks so they could keep their teams together.
💛 Some stepped up to perform on multiple teams or recitals.
💛 Some learned incredibly challenging pieces in a short amount of time.
💛 And some pulled out all of their courage to get on the stage and shine under pressure.

This is teamwork, leadership, and commitment in action. 👏

🌱 Where the “Top Banana” Idea Came From

Back in March 2023, at the MTNA National Conference in Reno, I attended a powerful session by Dr. Gloria Tham-Haines that completely shifted how I think about motivation in my studio.

Her message was simple, but it stuck with me:

Words matter. Feelings matter. Student voice matters.

That session challenged me to look beyond traditional reward systems and start recognizing effort in a more meaningful, human way.

Not just:

• Who practiced the most

• Who played the best

But:

• Who showed up for their team

• Who took a risk

• Who pushed past discomfort

• Who demonstrated courage

🍌 Why This Matters in Group Piano

In group teaching, success isn’t just individual—it’s collective.

When one student struggles, the group feels it.
When one student steps up, the group grows.

That’s why recognizing teamwork and initiative is so powerful. It builds:

• A stronger studio culture

• Deeper student connection

• Long-term motivation that goes beyond stickers and prizes

The Top Banana Award has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate this.

It’s lighthearted. It’s memorable.
But most importantly—it’s meaningful.

🎹 A Simple Takeaway for Your Studio

If you’re looking to strengthen your studio culture, start by noticing this:

👉 Who is showing courage?
👉 Who is supporting others?
👉 Who is stepping up when it’s hard?

Find a way to celebrate that—not just the final performance.

You might be surprised how quickly your students rise to meet it.