Great Finds: Dances, Beethoven, & Billie Holiday
Lara Downes, A Billie Holiday Songbook “My take on this music, as a classical pianist paying tribute to a jazz icon, is also a tribute to the unique diversity of…
Vintage PA: Middle Parts & Orphans
“I’ve played piano for over 30 years and nobody has ever told me to start in the middle of a measure,” said one of my adult students one week. She…
Great Job!
Being specific with our praise phraseology isn't anything new. Social media is full of articles on parenting language. It helps if we as teachers also think carefully about our language. The student…
Piano Maker’s Corner: Outside Of Mere Prevention
One of my students was complaining to me about the action on her piano. The instrument is from the bargain line of a well know, high end, builder of pianos. Later in…
We Don’t Need No Stinking Board Games
“We don’t play board games in my studio.” I’ve been told this many times over the years. The reasons have varied. Piano learning is serious business. I don’t have time…
Great Finds: 4 Hands, Interactive Learning, & eBooks
Piano 4 Hands Nikolas Sideris: Fairyland in Treble The eleven duets in Fairyland in Treble come complete with a tale for each piece (written by Nefeli Tsipouridi.) The pieces are…
Teaching To The Test: A Rant
One of my adult students, whose grandchildren are taking piano lessons, came to me with concerns that the children were not doing anything in their lessons that wasn’t a part…
Telling The Truth
Who knew a take on death metal would get me thinking deeply about truth? Those who know me are already shaking their heads sadly. Clearly I've cracked. Well, please hear…