Ever feel like there’s just so much music to practice?

Or do your students not practice piano?

We’re so hung up on practicing that we forget WHY we practice sometimes– to improve.

That’s why most practicing is a waste of time.

No joke.

And that’s why I’m telling you, practice less and get more done instead.

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Feel like there’s so much to do with so little time?

Want to look professional without spending tons of time and effort?

Read on and you can win something that’ll help you out tons.

I’ll Makeover Your Designs… Interested?

Instead of asking for a million presents, I’d like to thank y’all for supporting me and being part of my world…

I want to give you a professional makeover! (I’m not touching your hair– I’m talking professional.)

The Professional Makeover includes:

• A professional, custom-designed logo that suits you (and your vibe)
• A new post card design featuring you and your studio
• A new business card design
• A shoutout to the Artiden community
• Short feature about you or your studio on Facebook community

Total value: approx $1,118

To the Lucky Winner…

The entire makeover will be custom designed just for you– it’ll reflect you and your vibe…

So that people will want to get in touch with you– you’ll look so dang cool with your new logo.

Your new logo will make (almost) anything look professional in 3 seconds flat. (e.g. concert/recital programs, bio sheets, website, anything.)

The makeover will also help you get new clients– professional post cards, business cards, plus shoutouts and features– you’ll be set. ;)

Your friends might get jealous. Just saying.

All you have to do is sit back and relax.

The designs will be ready to print while you’re off relaxing. You’ll get the full package, ready to send to the printers.

I’ve decided to open this up to everyone– you’re welcome to enter even if you’re not a musician.

So how do you enter?

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This is about a UFO, magical animals, and why we don’t choose wisely.

Remember the Chronicles of Narnia?

Narnia is a place with magical, talking creatures.

We get to Narnia through a wardrobe.

In one part, four kids find Narnia.

The kids bring their Uncle Andrew to Narnia, but he can’t hear the animals talk…

He convinced himself that they don’t talk.

Aslan explains it with something like:

“People believe what they want to believe.”

And it’s one of the most profound things ever (double awesome coming from a lion– Aslan is a really big lion) because it describes how people work.

What do magical animals, UFOs, and choosing wisely have in common?

Read on… will you choose wisely? ;)

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Oh, joy! I’ve got a story to tell you. It’s about something that always happens.

This is dedicated to everyone who teaches.

So this is me:

Yes, I got a haircut! In fact, I’ve had three different hairstyles in the past year.

One of my best friends didn’t recognize me when we were meeting up. I look the same to me; I didn’t dye my hair or go crazy with anything.

But to be fair, we were in a crowded, rainy place, and I was holding an umbrella.

This is Emma:

Emma is my new friend. We met at an event in town.

She’s really nice; we started chatting and it was all very civilized.

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Sometimes, my fingers follow the notes but don’t seem to end up at the right places–they cross over and jump around all over the place and it just doesn’t feel right. How do I find the correct fingering so playing is easier (and I play the right way)?

- Vivianne

Hey Vivianne– sounds like your fingers are out of control!

This is common; we just need to roll it around a little, so hang on tight.

It’s great that you’re stepping up and admitting that this is something you’re struggling with.

Most people would just stumble over the same thing over and over again (ahem).

I’m going to show you how to make it work with something that stumped me while ago.

It works with any type of piece. :)

1 – Mark it Up

Let’s look at what you’re playing, one hand at a time.

In pencil, mark down where you’re having the most trouble.

How does the music flow? Are there jumps?

Does it remind you of anything else you’ve played? (For example, scales, arpeggios, Hanon, or even a different piece.)

If yes, then use as much of that fingering as possible.

This is an actual photo of my Un Sospiro (aff, Liszt) score.

(Here’s a video of Hamelin playing, this photo is at about 2:54)

I try to use pencil for smaller, non-permanent things, unless it’s a huge issue that hasn’t been fixed for a while.

The colour on the top outlines the melody in the left hand, which is permanent.

(The chunked bits– more on that later– and the little C fish that I drew, in the left corner, are still there!)

The first thing I think when I see this: it’s very chromatic. And dang it looks like a web. A Presto web.

Why not use chromatic scale fingering?

This edition gives you the fingering, which is like the chromatic scale fingering anyways… why not use it?

Side note: I recommend this edition of Un Sospiro (aff) because its fingering is workable all the way; believe me, it’s a pain when you have to invent your own fingering on a piece like this.

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