Top Tips on Performing Well Under Pressure
(Photo by Sophie Zhai) End of the semester recitals are upon us and with the preparations come nerves. Meet pianist Siqian Li who has some well timed advice for students…
So Not About The Notes
Without question our studio motto is: Not About The Notes (#NATN). Against that little voice inside me, which often screams, “fix-correct-repair,” I remind myself to step back and let students take…
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…
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…
Advice for Balancing Family and Profession When Working Remotely
I once started a joint conference presentation by saying, For the past few years I’ve been collaborating with this guy I met on the ;It was actually the truth. There were…
Using Block Towers In Piano Practice
I love teaching intermediate students who have come back to piano after some time away or who are mostly self-taught. They are all passionate about music. Most read well, can…
Graceful? Simple? Dramatic? Crafting an Effective Ending
I discuss beginnings with my students often. Does the piece open into an ongoing plot like a certain Star Wars film? Must they imagine and set the atmosphere, then let…
Rubato: Naughty or Nice?
Santa's Naughty Musicianship Listening to the Christmas station on Pandora while driving certainly helps to mitigate my stress and allow the holiday spirit to overcome the awful traffic and rude…