Professional film and visual media composer Benjamin Botkin recently posted an insightful list of 10 Ways to Avoid Plateauing. Even though he writes as a composer to other composers (or aspiring composers), his thoughts are equally relevant for all musicians. I love the way he defines a plateau, “reach[ing] a position in your skill where […]
Piano Students in the Real World
Last December I posted about Students Performing Without Teacher Knowledge. As I mentioned then, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance of letting students use their musical skills in lots of various outlets. My students usually fill me in on events and opportunities before they happen, but either way, I think it’s great for them to […]
Review and Giveaway of The Color Collection by Rebekah Maxner
If there is one thing I love it’s color! My studio is full of color, and I can’t think of a more exciting collection of pieces than this one Rebekah Maxner (composer of the fabulous Old MacDonald Had the Blues piano book) has put together devoted just to color! Let me introduce you to…The Color […]
Monday Mailbag – Starting a Beginning Student Without a Method Book
I hear about a lot of instrumental teachers just opening the method book and getting right down to the nitty-gritty, if you will, but I’ve begun to think about what might happen if a piano teacher began a bit like a general music teacher would begin; with singing simple songs with students, having them echo […]
And the Winner Is…
#39 – Mary Beth! Mary Beth will receive a copy of Talent to Treasure by Marcia Washburn. Congratulations! If you could send me your mailing address, we’ll get your book to you! Stay tuned for another great giveaway next Tuesday!
Free Major and Minor Arpeggio Keyboard Fingering Diagrams
Sarah, over at the Piano Discoveries Blog, recently posted some fabulous Major and Minor Arpeggio Keyboard Fingering Diagrams! Ever since I started using the scale fingering diagrams with my students (which we use very extensively now!), I’ve been thinking about designing something similar for arpeggios. However, I am thrilled that Sarah has done just that, […]
