Monthly Archives: June 2011
Teaching your own children
I have taught my own children to play piano. At this point I can say it has been successful. I get many comments and questions about this; it doesn’t always work and people want to know what I’ve done to … Continue reading
Quote of the Week
“One ought never to forget that by actually perfecting one piece, one gains and learns more than by commencing or half-finishing a dozen.” ~Johannes Brahms
They DO grow up :)
This is my 16-year-old daughter’s most recent post on her blog. My apologies “This is me swallowing my pride, standing in front of you saying I’m sorry for that night…. it turns out freedom ain’t nothin’ but missin’ you, wishin’ … Continue reading
Posted in Inspirational, Studio News
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How long should my child practice?
Practice tips and lists and slogans abound. How to practice is the single most important thing we can teach our students – and probably the most difficult thing for them to actually learn. I’ve referred to Isabelle Byman’s book, The … Continue reading
Remembering Janice
My mentor and friend, Janice Waite Thompson, was taken by cancer at far too young an age. When I started accompanying at Mount Royal Conservatory 25 years ago, she became my mentor and friend. She was a very fine pianist; … Continue reading
Posted in General
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Practical Piano Pedagogy
Subtitled: The Definitive Text for Piano Teachers and Pedagogy Students by Dr. Martha Baker-Jordan I found this in a thrift store a couple of months ago and paid $7 for it. The cover price is $44.95 US, but it is … Continue reading
Posted in Books about Music, Piano pedagogy, Technic
Tagged Piano pedagogy, Piano Technique, Sight Reading
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Guest Post: Kevin Coan on Introduction to Music from Artistry at the Piano
The Yahoo Piano Teacher’s Forum is a fabulous place to lurk, and maybe even contribute. I’ve learned loads of things about the standard method books from other teachers there, as well as many other resources (older) that I haven’t ever … Continue reading
Posted in Artistry at the Piano, Piano pedagogy
Tagged Artistry at the Piano, Piano pedagogy, Piano Technique, Rhythm Drills, Theory
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Quote of the Week
“I never practice; I always play.” ~Wanda Landowska
Posted in Practice Tips, Quotes
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Performance Classes: Beginner and Elementary
Like the Late Elementary class earlier in the week, the other 2 classes were focused mainly on the performance of the Top 5 pieces. I managed to squeeze in a couple of other activities: Poison Rhythm – a listening activity; … Continue reading
The Plan – and then the reality
It’s Performance Class week again. Last night I had my Late Elementary Class – 7 students, 3 of whom are doing exams next week (1 grade 2 and 2 grade 3s). The others had prepared their Top 5 List of pieces … Continue reading
Posted in Games, Piano pedagogy, Studio News
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