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…
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…
Stepping Off The Page: 12-Bar Blues
Happy September, everyone! For all of you teachers looking to incorporate a bit of the blues into your students' repertoire, here's a simple way to use the concept of singing…
Stepping Off The Page: Starting An Improv Vocabulary
Stepping Off the Page is a monthly column written by Deanna Witkowski for Piano Addict. Have you ever thought about how little children will hum or sing melodies that they improvise…
Stepping Off The Page: Nocturne in Eb Major
Deanna Witkowski is an active pianist and composer, has 5 albums to her credit, and currently holds the piano chair in the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra. She won the Great American Jazz…
Introducing Stepping Off The Page!
Say hi to Deanna Witkowski and her new column, Stepping Off The Page! You all met pianist and composer Deanna Witkowski in last month's Artist Portrait. Since her Great American Jazz Competition win…