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…
Phrasing in Color
I love answering questions! In a earlier post, One Musical Leaf Falling I talked about using color to depict phrasing. This post is a follow up to answer a super question…
Playing With Wolfgang: Gershwin, Lecuona, & Messiaen Meet Artistic Process
"I don’t see why you chose that artwork," she said. "There is plenty of 20th Century art that would match these pieces and the time they were written much better."…
Finding Inspiration: Redux
It is human nature to have a gut belief that everyone finds musical inspiration just as you do. The way we operate is just so intrinsic to who we are…
Vintage PA: Happy Little Trees
One evening, while my class piano students were working on their improvs for the midterm, I suddenly found myself saying, “You don’t need to apologize! Maybe in your world there’s…
Artist Portrait: Ayako Fujiki
Meet pianist Ayako Fujiki! Raised with a rigorous classical background, she found an affinity for Spanish music early on. As a specialist in Spanish music, she trained under Alicia de Larocha…
PA Shorts: Do It Again…
The following funny struck a chord (voiced of course) with myself and many others when it went live last week. Most of us who are teachers have experienced both sides…
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…