On Living the Life You Want, Music’s Powers, and Yoga…
A Yoga Class for Musicians Reap the benefits of yoga in this set of yoga videos designed espcially for musicians led by Mia Olson, a Professor of Woodwinds at Berklee College of Music. The Healing Power of Music Music is growing into a field of medicine– witness Gabrielle Giffords’s amazing recovery from a gunshot wound with music therapy. (Also see The Ultimate Guide to Playing…read more
Smart Guide to the History of Piano
What did the piano look like 300 years ago? What about 500 years ago? I’ll give you a hint: it looks nothing like the modern piano– it was a different instrument altogether. So what happened? How did the piano start out and how did it come to be the modern piano? I’ll answer these questions below. Here’s the smart guide to the piano’s history over…read more
The Ultimate Guide to Playing Piano
Want to be a better pianist? Want to start playing piano? How about learning more advanced approaches to technique, musicality, and practicing? I can help you with these things, and more. For a visually two-toned instrument, the piano can be a very colourful and complex instrument. I present to you, the Ultimate Guide to Playing Piano, overflowing with valuable resources for playing piano. Feel free…read more
How to Achieve Any Goal Once and For All
The no-fail guide to achieving any goal. Plus free printable posters. My post about inspiration received an overwhelming response–thank you to everyone who sent me personal stories! Finding It Why are some people so awesome and diligent at what they do? According to a study conducted at the University College of London: You need an average of 66 days to form a habit. Depending on…read more
How to Warm Up Quickly on the Piano
It’s no secret that pianists need to warm up before the playing gets good. But how long it takes to warm up varies. This little tip will speed up your warm-up routine by at least 15%. Having Stone-Cold Fingers A few days ago, my piano performer friend came to me for advice on warming up. She complained that her fingers felt constantly cold and she…read more
Bartók: Life & Career
History notes for Bartók, 20th Century Composer: complete with Bartók’s life, works, contributions, influences, and musical styles. Bartók (1881 – 1837) was born in Sînnicôlau Mare (Hungary). When Czechoslovakia was formed, Bartók and his mother were on opposite sides of the border. Bartók’s father died when Bartók was young, thus he was raised by his mother, who first taught him piano. From 1899 – 1903,…read more
Works Like Magic: Be Inspired in 3 Seconds
As scientists uncover the power of words to effect behavioral change, the power of rhetoric has become a topic of the current election. Clearly we are all attending more to the power of words. — Susan Smalley, PhD Sometimes we just need some motivation and inspiration to keep on going. Here are the words to move you, to become the best musician and person that you…read more
The Secret to Accomplishing Anything, Easily
Do you ever feel hopeless towards a goal? I’ll admit that I’ve felt like I’m so far from a goal that it doesn’t feel real. Do you ever feel that you won’t get there no matter how long you work at it? Or do you just have goal to work towards? Whether your goal is sight reading, perfecting a piece, or even calculus homework, there’s…read more
7 Crazy Things You Don’t Know About Your Piano
Guest post written by Kent Moore. Even if you’ve been playing piano for years, there are lots of crazy things to learn about your piano– whether they’re coincidental or by intentional design, you’ll be surprised. Who knew that the piano corresponds to our modern Gregorian calendar? There is more to the instrument than just music. Here are seven crazy things you didn’t know about your piano.