Reads to Gift This Season: Part 2, Kids
Welcome to Part 2 of my book pics for this season—kids edition. Here you'll find a selection of favorite books for children chosen by our kids and grands, as well…
Reads to Gift this Season: Part 1, Adults
My family loves to read. So, I've put together a list of a few of our favorite books about piano, music, teaching, and the artistic process. Among them are volumes…
Metronome Fail Fix and Yes, It’s Backwards
Have you ever known someone who just couldn’t play with a metronome no matter the tempo? Sorry. That's definitely a DUH question. It's a frustrating problem to have no matter…
Well Hello Clara & Robert: Lara Downes, For Love of You
Robert Schumann’s declaration, “My Clara, what would I not do for love of you?,” serves as inspiration for the title of Lara Downes’ newest album, For Love of You. The album…
When Being a Contrary Pianist is a Good Thing
Do you have contrary elementary level students? I do. I encourage them. It’s not what you think. Contrary motion at the piano trains the ear to perceive 2 voices moving…
Does Metronome Practice Work for Everyone?
I love to answer readers’ questions! A few years back, I wrote an article for Grand Piano Passion, When Your Piano Teacher Doesn’t Fit. Recently a reader reached out through them…
Baroque Dolphins vs. Sharks
My 7 year old student, Gini, grinned at me as she neared the end of Dolphins Play Everyday. She suddenly played a huge handful of low bass keys and wiggled…
Helping Adult Students Move On Part 1
The fall semester of lessons has begun here in Arizona. This year, I have quite a number of adult students in my studio. I love teaching grownups. Some are completely…