Published: Jan 3, 2025 |
Category: Motivation
At this time of year, many people make resolutions to improve their lives. Making a resolution implies that one is coming from a place of hardship and struggle. That’s fine. However, many of us simply want to continue developing something we started and to get better at it. Here are some suggestions to stay motivated and consistent with your piano progress:
Step One: Reflections
First, reflect on your personal goals, which may range from.....
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Published: Sep 2, 2022 |
Category: Practice Aid
There are so many students with the will to learn and the talent to play the piano extremely well, and yet they can’t find enough time for regular practice. Sometimes, we need to find creative ways to find time for regular practice to gain more confidence, fluency, and success. As we turn a new leaf into our new Fall term, it’s a great time to set goals: look at your calendars and mark ou.....
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Published: Feb 20, 2020 |
Category: Practice Aid
Good for you for deciding to work with the metronome. While metronomic playing is not ideal for a musical performance, using the metronome during your practice sessions can be a way to develop accuracy and fluency in your playing.
Much like running "drills," the metronome is a good way to test your note accuracy; build stamina and .....
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Published: Dec 26, 2019 |
Category: Motivation
Happy New Year 2020—Let’s Make “Clear Intentions” for Successful Piano Progress!
At this time of year, many people are making resolutions towards changing things in their lives for the better. Making a resolution implies that one is coming from a place of hardship and struggle. That’s fine. However, many of us simply want to continue to develop something we started and to get better at it. In this light, I suggest we consider.....
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Published: Aug 31, 2016 |
Category: Uncategorized
Music lessons improve kids' brain development, memory: study
.....
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Published: Jul 29, 2016 |
Category: For Parents
10 Ways to Make Music a Priority in Your Family
1. Dance Party! Dance at least once a day with your child. Dance to reggae, classical, marches, pop, jazz… it doesn’t matter! Hold their hands, jump to the beat, waltz, spin, dip and be creative. Dress up! Grab some dish towels and use them as dancin.....
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Published: Jul 29, 2016 |
Category: For Parents
Answers to Important Questions from Parents
Question 1: What Is My Role as A Piano Parent?
Parents involvement in their children’s piano education is as crucial as my own, as teacher. Your role is so important as part of home piano practice, of encouraging participation in studio activities, of modeling an interest in music and of keeping lines of communication open, which eliminates many potential “problems” in the parent-teac.....
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Published: Jun 13, 2016 |
Category: Historical Styles, Pedagogy
Style Considerations In Performance – Repertoire Selection
“Musical” Playing, generally:
Fluent, coherent expression, natural flow, convincing and in context to style
Well detailed study of the score with a sense of overall form/structure
Good tone production that is appropriate to the style, with sensitive balance and colour
Personally engaged and communicative
.....
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Published: Jun 13, 2016 |
Category: Pedagogy
Selected Bibliography
Master Teacher Recommendations:
Brown, William. Menaham Pressler: Artistry in Piano Teaching. Indiana University Press, 2009.
Smith, Scott McBride. “Adele Marcus: Master Teacher.” Clavier Companion, May-June 2011, 48-9.
Motivation and Advice for Teachers:
Bashaw, Donna. “Don’t Let Them Quit.” Cla.....
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Published: Jun 10, 2016 |
Category: Motivation
Students of .....
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Published: Dec 31, 2015 |
Category: Motivation
New Year’s Resolutions for Successful Piano Practice!
If you avoid your piano practice for long enough, you may develop a sense of guilt and frustration. Only one thing is certain: you won’t get your work done. Worse yet, the more you avoid practicing, the greater a void you create. Like Nietzsche’s abyss, this void may begin to stare back at you.
Fear of maki.....
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Published: Jul 27, 2015 |
Category: Studio Policy
Star Piano Studio: Cancellation Policy
Based on limited teacher availability and resources, cancelled lessons are NOT made up, except in cases of dire emergency.
Please consider your individual lessons the same as any other class. Thus --whether a sports team, arts clas.....
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Published: May 7, 2015 |
Category: Motivation
5 Quotes for the Struggling Musician
Having difficulty staying on track with your practise goals? Feel like you are beginning to lack focus, musicality, or even courage and meaning in your performances? Here are 5 quotes to help you get back on your pathway to success – that is, to flourish at what you love to do.
1. .....
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Published: Dec 28, 2014 |
Category: Preparing for Exams
Are You Ready for Your Piano Exam? Some Tips to Help You to Reach Your Personal Best!
Congratulations! You are going to take your piano exam! This illustrates a great openness to new perspectives, engagement with the community, and responsibility. Do you feel prepared and confident? As an examiner myself, I am often asked by both teachers and their students how to bes.....
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Published: Dec 15, 2014 |
Category: Published Article: Musicology
The Romantic Image of Beethoven: Contes Fantastiques in Le Revue et gazette musicale de Paris, 1834-40
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Published: Jul 2, 2014 |
Category: For Parents
For Parents: Piano Lessons Bolster Children’s Success and Intelligence
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” Robert Louis Stevenson
A good education enables the future success of your child. As a parent reading this, you are certainly open to ways to be supportive and involved in your child’s learning process. Did .....
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Published: Jun 27, 2014 |
Category: Finding the Right Teacher
"Do not seek to follow in the master's footsteps, seek what he sought." Chinese Proverb
Given the determination, every student can learn to play the piano. But by working with the "right" teacher, every student may also learn the mastery of many life skills -- setting and achieving goals, progressive work projects, patience, critical thinking, and a pathway of self-discovery through learning.
Intuition and a natural inclination.....
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