Artist Portrait: Martin Listabarth
(Photo: Theresa Pewal) Meet pianist and composer Martin Listabarth. Martin is a jazz pianist and composer based in Vienna. His music is a true marriage of hand, heart, and head.…
Cartwheels, Piano Style
“Oh! It’s like a cartwheel with my fingers,” she said. Oh, yes she did. We have been working on learning our penta-scales and chord patterns in all keys. She has…
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,…
Artist Portrait: Ola Gjeilo
Say hello to composer and pianist Ola Gjeilo. Ola's concert works are performed all over the world and he recently finished a residency with the Phoenix Chorale. Both of his…
Piano Pride
“I’m so proud of myself!,” said Marty. She has been taking class piano since August. Before that, she had a few lessons, played the violin, and taught herself the basics.…
Scales. What?
I remember trying to learn scales hands together. Four in one hand then 3 in the other my teacher said. F is like C except there is a 4 on…
What’s Up With This Memory Thing?
“What's up with this memory thing?”, asked one of my new transfer students. We talked about different levels of knowing and understanding and the fact that committing something to memory…
Galumphing With Mr. Hanon
Inspired by Steven Nachmanovich’s book, Freeplay, my friend and mentor, Dr. Lisa Zdechlik talks a lot about galumphing as we learn. (you know- the playing part of playing piano) We…