Memory: Brain vs. Body
I'd like to weigh in on this memory thing. I've read some pretty caustic posts over the years, mostly bemoaning the loss of discipline in piano study as evidenced by…
Vintage PA: Learning Ogi Matsuri 2
Everyone who teaches should try to learn a completely new skill every few years. It keeps you humble. It keeps you patient and kind to both yourself and to your…
Scary But Not Dangerous
One of my adult students has chosen to work on Haunted Spot from Schumann's Forest Scenes. "I just don't know how to go about this," she said when she brought it in.…
PA Shorts: Cleaning The Closet
When the teeny-tiny game parts fell between the cabinet and the lowest shelf I knew I was in trouble. The book whacking me on my head was the last straw. Things…
Resolutions: Salvage & Recycle 2
It happens to all of us. We set goals and start out with such good intentions. Then, the world gets in the way and, little by little, we lose our…
A Door Opened or Closed?
Last Thursday, after 9+ years, I spent my last teaching day at Eastern Arizona College. I wish all the best to the new professor who will be taking on the…
Vintage PA: Presents Under The Piano
My favorite holiday note ever is written on a piece of binder paper in pencil and goes like this: Thank you for being my piano teacher. I hope to be…
I Just Like It
Why music and piano? The question has come up many times over the years, asked by relatives, teachers and mentors, and people in business who clearly thought I needed a…