Monthly Archives: July 2011
Tap, Don’t Clap
The foundation of music being rhythm, we do well to encourage students to tap or clap the rhythm of a new piece before tackling the notes. Many (most) rhythm exercises mention “clapping” the rhythm. Clapping is not as natural and … Continue reading
Colourful Music Theory
One session I attended at the CFMTA Convention was a presentation of a new product designed to make music theory colourful and memorable. The Pianotekneek Notebox is a highly visual and tactile way to teach and re-inforce note names, intervals, … Continue reading
The Best Technique Book since sliced bread!
Technique for the Advancing Pianist: An Essential Collection of Progressive Exercises and Etudes, edited/compiled/composed by Valerie Cisler & Maurice Hinson (Alfred Publishing Co.) Finally, someone has put together a collection of the best of the technique exercises by the likes … Continue reading
Listen to Your Inner Voices
Dr. James Parker, pianist in the Gryphon Trio, as well as faculty member at the University of Toronto, presented a session on voicing the inner lines at the CFMTA Convention last week. “Music is not a democracy,” he said, “There … Continue reading
Posted in CFMTA 2011, Performance, Practice Tips
Tagged Piano Performance, Piano Technique, Practice Tips
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CFMTA: “Turning Over a New Leaf”
I was excited to meet the composers from Red Leaf Pianoworks at the CFMTA Convention in Regina, SK last week. Red Leaf is a collective of composers from coast to coast in Canada. Co-incidentally, not intentionally, they are all female. … Continue reading
Posted in Canadiana, CFMTA 2011
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Quote of the Week
“We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.” ~Ben Sweetland Part of the opening address at the CFMTA Convention. More to follow…
Posted in CFMTA 2011, Quotes
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Book Review: What to Listen for in Beethoven
“The Essential Introduction to the World’s Foremost Composer and to the Hidden Pleasures of Classical Music,” by Robert Harris (published 1996 by Macfarlane Walter & Ross, Canada) I first read this delightful book a few years and thought I would … Continue reading
CFMTA Convention
I’m leaving on July 6 for Regina, Saskatchewan for the national, biennial music teachers’ convention. It is a bit of a long, boring drive – 8-9 hours of flat prairie – but I’m looking forward to it. My oldest friend … Continue reading
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Planning for next year
Lessons wrapped up a couple of weeks ago and I have a handwritten list in my notebook of my plans for each student for next year. While it’s still somewhat fresh in my mind, I’m transferring this information onto my … Continue reading
Posted in Studio News
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