Again drawing on inspiration from my friend Agnieszka Lasko (author of the First Class Piano method!) and her fabulous ideas regarding improvising at the piano, I set out to help one of my students become more comfortable trying his own improvisation. He has a great ear for music and some definite natural talent, but he […]
Improvising
Rote Teaching and Improvisation with Older Beginner Piano Students
After attending our KMTA state conference last month, I was inspired anew by a session from my friend and colleague, Agniezska Lasko. Her session, Using Contemporary Compositional Techniques in Teaching Improvisation to Children, is one I could attend over and over again and probably gain new ideas every time! I came back to my studio […]
Review of Extreme Heterophony by John Pitts
When composer John Pitts contacted me about reviewing his newest book, Extreme Heterophony: a study in javanese gamelan, I was intrigued for two reasons. Not, mind you, because I had any idea what it was about! But because, firstly, there has been an increased effort in the music education community to explore more diversity in […]
Free Piano Improvisation Training
Looking for some improvisation inspiration? Tomorrow morning from 10:00-10:45 (PST), Paula Dreyer, of the fabulous Little Gems for Piano book series, is offering a free training for anyone who wants to learn more, and become more adept at, improvising. All participants will receive free piano sheet music and handouts – always a perk! I’ve loved […]
Have You Seen Alma Deutscher at the Piano?
I recently came across this delightful video clip of Alma Deutscher improvising at the piano on four notes randomly selected from a hat. It’s fascinating to watch, and her personality is endearing. I’m enjoying listening to selections from the album she released last fall, “From My Book of Melodies.” Definitely a rising musician to keep […]
New Finds for Piano Lessons!
Is everyone busy gearing up for a new year of piano lessons? I am in brainstorming season right now as I develop lesson plans for each student, select repertoire that I hope they will love, and create a new practice incentive theme for the piano studio. There are a couple of fabulous new resources that […]
