How can I support my child’s practice?
When your child starts to learn an instrument it can be really exciting - for both of you. As a parent you will want to do all you can to support your child’s m... Continue Reading...
Music Education
Teaching Piano Students to Pedal, Part 5: Chopin
For many of our students, the works of Chopin present the first occasions where carefully planned and executed pedalling is required. The Inventions and Sonatin... Continue Reading...
4 SINGERS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW – BUT SHOULD
Last summer I was in Quebec City, and one day as I happened along the Grand Allée Ouest I came upon an old church with the doors open and a Big Mama Thornton re... Continue Reading...
What is the role of “etudes” in a pianist’s development? Which ones do you use and when?
Daily I am reminded of the numerous things that should be taught in lessons to develop knowledgeable and proficient pianists. Certainly in a 30 or even 60-minut... Continue Reading...
How Not to Pickle Composers
The Resident Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of India, Mikel Toms, takes a moment out of rehearsals to consider the point of it all, as he asks and answers ... Continue Reading...
Teach Piano Sight Reading Successfully – Part 2: Survival!
TACTICS FOR THE SIGHT READER I have already discussed in Part 1 how to build a slow but sure improvement in sight reading skills over time. That article also a... Continue Reading...
Teaching Students to Pedal, Part 4: Introducing Debussy’s Pedal Indications
Pedalling is essential to creating the magical sounds called for in the piano music of Debussy. The moods, atmospheres, and far-off lands he conjured cannot be ... Continue Reading...
ENERGY BOOST: 5 PERKY PATTER SONGS
Did you know that the word “patter” comes from the Catholic “Pater Noster,” which was apparently recited as fast as possible by the congregation? Equal in hilar... Continue Reading...
