There are basically two schools of thought on technique: Technique is in the music. Draw from the repertoire to learn the necessary skills in order to play it well. Technique is what you bring to the music. Develop fluency in various skills so that when you want to learn a new piece of music you […]
Teaching
Monday Mailbag – Ear Training for Blind and Autistic Student
I’m looking around for a VERY basic ear training program for a new blind/autistic student. He has an excellent ear and is motivated to learn. Any ideas? Yikes! This is a hard question, so I’m hoping some others will have some helpful answers. I’ve taught a number of students with various learning disabilities and visual […]
Fabulous Resource for Worship Song Chord Charts
While doing some searching around recently for some lyric and chord charts, I came across this wonderful website called Worship Archive. The site has a fabulous database of today’s most well-known and oft-sung praise and worship songs available for free download. I always have students who are working on keyboarding skills or who get asked […]
Review and Giveaway of Old MacDonald Had the Blues Piano Book by Rebekah Maxner
If student demand is any indication of quality, this music “re-telling” of classic folk songs is already destined for success! Shortly after receiving a copy of “Old MacDonald Had the Blues” from its composer, Rebekah Maxner, a student asked me what it was. I played him a sampling of some of the pieces and he’s […]
Monday Mailbag – Scheduling Breaks
I’d love to hear how you “schedule” your year. I’m teaching through the Christmas holidays. Always have. But now that I’m in it I sure would love a break to spend more time with my own children. In the summer (June, July, August) I teach every week as well unless I am out of town, and […]
Inspiration from a Scientist
To close out our week of inspirational New Year beginnings, I thought I would share a quote from a book I just finished reading: “My dear children, I send you my best wishes for a happy New Year – that is to say, a year of good health, good humor and good work, a year […]
