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Piano or Keyboard – Which Is Better for Learning? (Part 1 of 2)
Unlike voice or clarinet students, the piano student is faced with a bewildering array of instrument choices. Acoustic or electronic? If acoustic, grand or upright? Which manufacturer is best? If …
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Piano or Keyboard – Which Is Better for Learning? (Part 2 of 2)
In Part One, I discussed how your musical goals, the styles you want to play, and your playing level are all relevant in your choice of an instrument. Today, …
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How to Be a Perfect Piano Parent
The latest issue of the Music Teachers National Association Journal (an academic magazine that music teachers read so parents don’t have to) discussed a recent study of parental personality traits …
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How the “Lean Startup” Philosophy Can Help You Build a Successful Piano Studio
What Can Piano Teachers Learn from the “Lean Startup” Philosophy? As a piano teacher who has an extensive background in marketing and an abiding interest in business, you may find …
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Tweak Your Piano Studio’s Marketing By Articulating Your “Unfair Advantage”
In How the Lean Startup Philosophy Can Help You Build a Successful Piano Studio, I described how applying principles from the “lean startup” business philosophy can maximize your piano …
View ArticlePiano Mastery (Part 1): Practice for the Sake of Practicing
As a piano teacher with an abiding interest in numerous subjects from business to psychology and human potential, from time to time I will explore the connections between these other …
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Switched-On Bach
With Switched-On Bach (1968), Wendy Carlos created the first hit synthesizer album, recording, of all things, several of Johann Sebastian Bach’s keyboard masterpieces. It’s an essential album for...
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Smarter & Happier (The Benefits of Learning Piano for Older Adults)
Can learning to play the piano have positive effects on cognitive function, mood, and overall quality of life in older adults? According to a recent study in the journal Frontiers …
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Foundations of Improvisation – Unity and Contrast
A novel way to introduce musical contrast, courtesy of P.D.Q. Bach.Don’t try this at home. An essential element of most music that qualifies as listenable is a balance between …
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Success Principles for Piano Students (Part 1)
Too many piano students spend countless years practicing, often with only the vaguest idea of what their goals are. Yet it’s an axiom of success that achievement in any area, …
View ArticleFAQ for Adult Piano Students
In today’s post I’ll answer some of the Frequently Asked Questions of prospective adult piano students: Can an adult with zero music experience learn the piano? Of course! I’ve successfully …
View ArticleBecoming a Self-Learning Pianist
Unlike K-12 school students, piano students usually spend just one hour per week with their teacher. The time between lessons is spent practicing what has been discussed in the lesson.…
View ArticleFavorite Blues Licks (Part 1)
A blues lick is a stock phrase or pattern, usually catchy and often using conventional blues ornamentation such as tremolos, that is used to heighten interest, increase tension, or communicate …
View ArticleBreathing, Listening, Moving – Three Essential Elements of Good Technique
Three essential elements of good piano technique that are sometimes neglected by both teachers and students are breathing, listening, and (surprisingly) moving. Breathing Like any athletic exercise, a...
View ArticleThe Importance of Unity and Contrast in Music Composition
An essential element of nearly all good music is a balance between unity and contrast. This is one of the most important principles for novice composers to understand. While …
View ArticleGames for Faber Piano Adventures Primer Level
When I use the Faber Piano Adventures books with a student, I like to take a timeout during lessons from focusing on the books to play a game. Here are …
View ArticleA New Adult Piano Method
If you’re a piano teacher who teaches adults, and are always on the lookout for new and innovative adult methods, read on! I’ve occasionally mentioned in this blog that I’ve …
View ArticleFoundations of Improvisation – Space and Silence
It’s been awhile since I’ve written about the essential principles of improvisation. In previous posts I’ve covered the principles of staying present, not-knowing and unity and contrast. Another …
View ArticleThe Chord Play Series (Review)
The world of music education lost a shining star in 2019 when pianist, educator and author Forrest Kinney passed away after a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer.… The post The Chord Play...
View ArticleThe Piano Masterpieces of P.D.Q. Bach
… The post The Piano Masterpieces of P.D.Q. Bach first appeared on Portland Piano Lab.
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