Evolving as Schrodinger’s Teacher
Two things. 1. A pandemic happened. 2. I have become Schrodinger’s Teacher. I came full circle right back to where I started teaching more than 40 years ago- in my…
Adult or Late Teen? Find Your Perfect Music Teacher
Are you a late teen or adult who missed out on the opportunity to learn to play an instrument when you were younger? Have you tried learning on your own…
Video vs. In-Lesson Modeling
As I listened to my high school student the other day via Zoom, I was perplexed. Austen had learned the notes and rhythms nearly perfectly. Fingering: check. Hand, wrist, arm…
How to Create a 2 Person Performance Video Remotely
We were planning some duo performances for our spring recital. We were arranging late intermediate solos for two pianos and silliness was planned. I was excited. Students were excited. Social…
Minimize Your Online Lesson Fatigue
A three year old friend of mine and her family came over for playtime and dinner. She had a total meltdown just before we sat down to eat. Her Dad…
Intermediate Harmonic Troubles Untangled
Many of my students are transfers from other teachers or adults coming back to piano. They are good readers and know their basic major and minor scales and progressions at…
This Week I Learned Some Things About Making Videos
We're definitely not in Kansas anymore. As one of my teaching friends put it, within the last week and a half, we musicians and teachers have completely upended our entire…
Seven Pieces To Play When You’re Feeling Expressive
One evening, after a truly rotten day, I came home feeling drained and out of sorts. Traffic had been terrible, practicing had been a hard slog, and there was this…