This years Piano Olympic games are more exciting than ever. This year there is a ski lodge, ski lift, snowy mountain and a curling ice rink, too. (You might have to be Canadian to know what that is!) Here is a newsletter I created to send to parents to share why I do what [...]
Continue reading about Winter Piano Olympics 2010 Have Begun!
I’ve been playing the piano for 28 years. I grew up with teachers showing me how to practice hands separately. I learned the value of isolating difficult spots playing one hand at a time and I know it produces amazing results. But then I cut my thumb! While improperly using a paper cutter for a [...]
Continue reading about Injury Sheds New Light on Old Topic….Practicing Hands Separately
I’m always looking for ways to engage my students in music centered activities. And with today’s electronic gadgets competing for their interest, I’ve got to stay on my toes! In 2010 I will be teaching my students about simple rhythmic and melodic motifs and how repetition and variation create interest. Of course, I won’t be [...]
Piano Olympics is a fun way to get students motivated. Here is a new idea for the upcoming Feb. 2010 Olympics. (Also, check out my first post on Olympics in the Piano Studio This winter I will create a winter mountain that rises and drops steeply. Then I’ll set colored flag markers for each of [...]
Two summers ago I created an Olympic poster complete with colored rings and a large grid with each student’s name. I made 48 tasks (A real Olympic feat!) and a colored star system representing how many attempts were needed to accomplish each task. Gold was for first try, of course, and then I had 5 [...]
Are you looking for a great recital space with an amazing piano? I highly recommend you check out Clover’s Fine Art Gallery and Cafe on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Clover has a beautiful space which is immaculate and spacious enough for 70 guests. She also has a brand new Petrof Grand piano! She serves alcohol [...]
Continue reading about An Amazing Recital Space – and great cafe, too!
Many of my students love to draw and color. A new practice I’ll be starting in January 2010 is to have my youngsters draw, color, paint, collage, etc one picture for every day that they practice during the week. All they have to do is create a picture that represents how that practice session was [...]
Continue reading about Combining Art and Music in the Piano Studio
Another book I’m reading that has helped reinforce some instincts I’ve had as a teacher….and has opened my eyes to ways I can still play as an adult. So far I can say that the heightened awareness of play has helped me pay attention to my students “playfulness” more. I notice that some students prefer [...]
Every pianist should have this book. Seymour Bernstein has generously share his lifetime’s work so that we may be actualized fully has human beings. He includes case studies of students, psychology, humor and exercises for strength, stretching and particularly how to free the thumb from the wrist. A joyful and valuable read. You will be [...]
I use my iMac and Garageband to record my students’ songs. Then I have them listen to the playback and tell me what they heard, what was great?, what could be improved? They LOVE it! And they improve their listening skills and take greater responsibility for applying the fundamentals of dynamics, counting and phrasing….without me [...]