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…
PA Shorts: Chord Functions & Floor Plans
While happily catching up on podcasts during my commute, something literally gave me goose bumps. I couldn’t wait to get back to my computer and share. So, here goes. That something happened during…
PA Shorts: Making An Egg
Many master chefs consider that the ability to cook an egg beautifully is the true test of a cook's skill. Being one with the humble egg tells more about a…
PA Shorts: 10 Cent Words
Differentiated Instruction was the topic of the article. Specifically how to do it effectively. (Students Matter: 3 Steps for Effective Differentiated Instruction) As I read the text, I realized that…
Vintage PA: Piano Fail
I have done a lot of judging this spring. It is inspiring to hear young pianists who are doing their very best to make music and push their skills to the…
What I Did On My Summer Vacation
Wow! This is finals week. How exactly did that happen? We have a Mockingbird nest in our tree and have been amused as the parents have patiently enticed their little…
PA Shorts: Finding Waldo
“You need to find Waldo,” I said. It was true. Maggie was working on polishing the Bartok Sonatina and it needed character, action, detail, and nuance to truly come to…
Those Awkward Disappointments
Zack Rosenblatt / Arizona Daily Star Last Saturday night, after our Wildcats lost to San Diego by a single point in overtime, there was a scuffle between students and police.…