Becoming A Pianist: A Worthwhile Journey, Gloria Fast
Do you remember the instant you knew you were a pianist? Perhaps for you it was a gradual realization? The father of a former student of mine sent me this…
Some Sage Advice
Often when I am teaching and practicing, I say or do something successful and think, "How did I know that?" Sometimes, I can mentally thank the person who blessed me…
Success = Yard Maintenance
Over the summer, I had to make some fundamental decisions about what and how much I do professionally. In order to make the changes needed, I was forced to ponder…
Vintage PA: The Uncertainty Principle
Remember my story wherein Teacher 42 became so uncomfortable with musical choices that she finally said, "You mean there's no right way?" I concluded that I had given that teacher…
PA Shorts: Ignition – Blast Off!
Since I have been convalescing and forbidden to do anything particularly physical, I have had a lot of time to read. Two tidbits struck my fancy this week. The first…
Vintage PA: What’s On The Inside
“Wow !” I said, “You are like a different pianist!” And she was. Before, there had been surges and awkward accents in the opening to her Intermezzo, impossible to remove…
Vintage Post: A Romantic Accusation
“You’re a romantic!” said my teacher in a surprised voice, as though this explained everything he found perplexing about me. I had never been accused of being anything but a…
PA Shorts: Opportunity Knocks
One of my Facebook friends recently shared a few words of advice to aspiring musicians by pianist, singer, songwriter, and producer, Ben Folds. This earthy collection of thoughts struck a…