Dwelling in Possibility: Inspiring Children to Compose
The greatest contribution my own early piano teacher Mr. Ball made to my musical development was to listen to my compositions. Often, after all of my scales, exercises, and pieces…
6 Beginner Piano Improv Exercises to Improve Self-Expression
Improvisation is an important form of self-expression at the piano. Yet, improv at the beginner stages is tricky. It’s tricky not because there aren’t enough options. It’s tricky because there are too…
Why Hello Again (…or maybe it’s cosmic)
Do you have a piece that has crossed your path repeatedly over the years? I'm thinking of a piece that you unexpectedly wind up playing multiple times rather than one…
Playing With Wolfgang: Becoming Vulnerable
“But what does it mean?,” I asked. I used to ask that a lot when I was little. I remember that time clearly though. My Dad and I were in…
The Enterprising Pianist: The Magic of Spontaneous Creativity
Pianists are disciplined and focused people, and most of us spend a great deal of time planning for the ; Let’s face it, “stuff” ; As musicians, we work to…
The Enterprising Pianist: The Pianist at 30,000 Feet
You’re reading this blog on a computer, or some other sort of personal electronic device, which is where most of us interact and exchange ideas these days. Maybe you’re at…
The Improvising Pianist: Spontaneity and the 24 Hour Piece
Ever try to write a complete, self-contained piece at one sitting?!? For most of us, this kind of precociousness probably brings up images of someone like Mozart. “I couldn’t possibly…
The Adaptable Pianist: Purpose & Interest for the Elderly
In 2017, seniors entering rehabilitation and assisted living centers have two distinct differences from those entering in previous years, 1) everyone has most likely learned to type, 2) everyone has…