Artist portrait: Deanna Witkowski
In this edition of Artist Portraits, we meet pianist and composer Deanna Witkowski, winner of The Great American Jazz Competition. Since her win in 2002, she has been busy touring,…
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…
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…
Artist Portrait: Ariel Lanyi
Pianist Ariel Lanyi may be young but he is already making his mark on the world through his concerts and recordings. He also studies and grows constantly through lessons and…
Ode To My Central Sulcus
In my time, I’ve certainly been accused of being a little different. The exact wording usually goes something like, “I’ve never heard anyone play/think of/say it like that before,” or…
Long Distance Collaboration
So, for the past few years I’ve been collaborating with this guy I met on the internet. It’s true! When I said this to a group of teachers a few…
Artist Portrait: Nathan Williamson
Nathan Williamson is a pianist, composer and conductor with ties to both the UK and the US. We chatted via email about his musical growing up, his musical mentors, balancing…