To Practice More Efficiently, Try to Stop Practicing
Sometimes, the most simple solutions are the most ingenious. When I first started a music blog, most people were looking for “practice strategies.” Now, everyone wants a “hack” to fix their life. Case in point: an increasing number of Twitter bios of young-ish entrepreneurs who have track records describe themselves as growth hackers, whom you can hire as a consultant for your own startup. As a…read more
The 3 Biggest Mistakes that Beginner Pianists Make
I tend to focus on the psychology of practicing piano efficiently on Artiden. But it doesn’t matter how many psychology tactics you’re solidifying bad habits and hurting your body in the long run. Readers often ask about how to play more efficiently, the correct posture, and how to be a better piano teacher. When I taught piano at public schools, the beginner pianists all made…read more
Is your new year’s resolution too wimpy?
We start the year determined to become a better version of ourselves, often slipping back in a few months. Most resolutions are set in the wrong direction. For example, people shouldn’t “go on diets”. They should “change their diets”– eating healthy is a lifetime affair. The following questions will get you thinking about whether resolution is too wimpy.
Grace’s Best of 2014
Here is my best content from the past year, that had the most readers and that I enjoyed writing the most. How to Start a Group Music Class Teaching group classes means understanding that your influencers, the two people brave enough to set trends in a small group of people, will decide the fate of the class. The key is to identify and appeal to these people early on, so…read more
What should you give to your favourite person in the world?
You might have more than one favourite person. They may or may not be musicians. I for one really appreciate gifts. Research suggests that kids who know how to delay gratification will become high performers. Can we buy happiness? On one hand, the key to happiness is in how we spend our money. But research suggests that we should buy moments, not material belongings. Daniel…read more
Become a Better Stage Performer with Dianna David
When I arrived to the studio, I deposited my bag on the sofa and took my pants off. Dianna wasn’t weirded out, so I knew we could be friends. And, chill out, it was raining and I was wearing white pants, so I layered sweats on top. Dianna David is a movement storyteller, and I love her energy. We first met when she spoke at a…read more
Why You Need a Homepage (Right Now)
The internet is one of the most powerful ways to connect with people because you can control how people see about you and how they act. It doesn’t matter what you do, or what industry you’re in, psychology works with human brains. For example, if a well-designed website can help music teachers gain more students, and help pianists sell more music. Here are a few reasons why…read more
Dealing With a Student Who Hasn’t Paid (But is Training for an Important Performance)
Take a look at this scenario… You are a piano teacher. There is a student you like a lot, whom you’ve been teaching for two months. You first heard her playing at her performance recital– and you were impressed. The mother is well-connected, and kind, but tough, a lady who knows what she wants and will ask for her change when it’s due. You’ve agreed on an…read more
19 Jazzy Christmas Piano Solos
This year, I’m feeling the big-band! I can’t wait to unveil what I’ve been working on. In the mean time, I’ve collected 19 jazz-inspired Christmas piano solos. I wish I had time to play all these. Sheet music is linked below (ranging from late intermediate to advanced). Click here to listen to all the pieces on Youtube as a playlist. Please let me know if…read more