The Scent of a Flower
Maybe you've never heard of the famed pianist Leopold Godowsky (1870-1938). Incredibly, he was self-taught. “I would be very glad could...
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"How's Your Golf Game" Is Not PC
The Reddit Guy says this: “It might be a game... But you sound like you know nothing about golf if you ask, ‘How was your game’. Say...
Beginner? How To ACE Notes Quickly!
Here is an easy, effective, fast way to learn all the notes of the grand staff. I created this approach a few years ago, and I can’t...
I Thought It Was a Fishing Pole
I saw Debbie from the corner of my eye coming to the door for her piano lesson. I had to squint because the sun was bright that morning,...
Do You Have Lots of Loose Leaves? How to Organize Music Binders.
How do you organize your piano materials? Do you have piles? Do you stash things in your piano bench? Are papers falling out from...
What Is an Etude?
The word etude means “study.” The purpose of a piano etude is to help a pianist develop a particular skill such as playing scale...
"O Holy Still Stinks"
“O Holy Still Stinks” is the title she chose. Covid brought creative adaptations to our studio. We’ve had piano parties for years but...
How do you make time for lessons/practice when your life gets crazy busy?
That was the recent Facebook post. A number of people responded to suggest getting up an hour earlier each day. We all know people who...
Starting Out on the Right Note
This Ebay listing intrigues me: 1970's Analog deliciousness for the musically ambitious! Sounds great and trippy through effects!...
Beginners: How to Practice Coordinating Hands
Welcome back to our series on well-structured practice for adult beginners. So far, we’ve covered these topics: The Practice Space...
Timing Matters - Rhythm Syllables for Beginners
Rhythm is a weak link, for many students. Most adult method books are filled with familiar tunes, making it easy for students to focus on...
Separate Hands to Begin: Fingering, Timing and Notes
Welcome back to our series on well-structured piano practice for adult beginners. As a reminder, it’s recommended you have two things in...
Starting a New Piece of Music
I find many early level students go about things very differently than what I’m about to suggest. I think it’s fair to say students like...
The Practice Plan
Adult piano students, your practice plan ideally includes the following items: Technique. This should include scales/chords/arpeggios. ...
Adult Piano Student Practice Routine: Warming Up
(Includes 10 Easy Scale Variations for Beginners) How do you practice your scales? Do you regularly opt out of warming up, or you use a...
Mise en Place at the Piano
Let's begin our series on practice suggestions for the adult learner by preparing the piano practice space. Mise en place (French...
What They Don't Tell You
First of all, let's give a shout out to everybody who's taking time in life to practice the piano and fill the world with good music...
Jess Just Wants to Play Piano
“I just want to play the piano!” Jess exclaimed. “I’m tired of putting everyone else first and sacrificing myself.” “I just want to play...
Linda Likes Being Down an Octave
Linda told me last week she likes being down an octave. That’s unusual. Most students really love the higher registers, especially...
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