About Me

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has been playing piano for over 15 years with training from some of America's best concert performers. My true love, however, is teaching with a fun twist.

Monday, May 14, 2012

"Teacher's First Day of Summer"

Teacher's First Day of Summer


Today begins my summer
They say I should relax
But the empty chairs in my class room
Only make me wish Fall back

So don't give me polish and pedi's
I'm not craving a forest or beach
Just give me an eager learner
To fill my empty seat

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

May Music Deals

As a teacher, what with lessons, recitals, competitions, and group classes, you have plenty on your plate.  You know that to save money on sheet music you need to shop the deals.  But who has time to keep up with everything?  Clearly Piano Teaching is here to help!


May 2012 Music Deals

Hutchins & Rea: Free shipping on orders over $100
20% off Vienna Urtext Editions
20% off Universal Editions
20% off Boosey and Hawkes
40% off Scores

Sheetmusicplus.com: (3.99 Shipping + percent back to educators)
20% off Play-Alongs
20% off Schirmer
20% off Music Ensembles
Discounts on Hope Publishing

Musicforte.com : Free Shipping on orders over $35
10% off Everything through May 10th

Amazon.com :
Up to 50% off Musical Instruments



Barnes and Noble : Free Shipping on orders of $25 or more.
National Teacher's Day Sale - 45% Off

MusicRoom: Free shipping on orders over 10 pounds
Educators save 10% off all orders
Huge 3 for 2 Sale


Eble Music Store:
"During the month of May, in each order over $150 where back-orders are allowed, we will include a set of Etymotic High Fidelity Ear Plugs absolutely free. A $13.95 value, these ear plugs protect you from overexposure to loud sounds without distorting the clarity of speech or music, and they come with a convenient carrying case.  (Please remember to select YES to back-orders.)"


Shar Music: Free Shipping on orders over $20.
Get a SHAR Gift Certificate valued from $25 to $500 when you purchase select instruments or bows by June 30, 2012. There are over 70 models of instruments and bows to choose from.
10% off All Sheet Music Titles. Ends June 30th.

Do you know of discount I haven't listed here?  Please share it with us!
Photo Courtesy of Chi King

Friday, May 4, 2012

Pain Free with the Keyboard Wellness Seminar

Have you heard?  You don't have to hurt anymore when you play the piano. 

Can you imagine a pianistic career where your back doesn't ache, your wrist is pain free and you play better than you've ever played in your life? 

It's all a pipe dream, right?  It wasn't for me.

3 years ago, when I first learned about the Dorothy Taubman technique, I was in serious pain.  Everyday practice meant intense aches which would radiate through my upper back and right arm.   The Taubman technique changed all of that for me.

The Taubman technique teaches you to play by using the natural movements of the body working with gravity.  It truly makes playing piano effortless. 

Every summer Shelia Paige, a student of Dorothy Taubman herself, teaches the Keyboard Wellness Seminar at the University of North Texas.  I attended the seminar for the first time last year and it completely changed the way I teach and play piano.  I have been so impressed by the improvement in my students' playing from the little I've been able to share with them from the seminar. 

At the Keyboard Wellness Seminar, Shelia teaches on playing octaves, staccatos, teaching technique to Intermediate level students, the mechanics of the arm, training the brain, trill technique, arm weight, and SO much more.

I can not recommend this seminar enough.  You owe it to yourself to at least check out the website and what other people are saying about it.

The Keyboard Wellness Seminar 2012


Testimonials

Shall I see you there?

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Teaching by Observation

Walter Hautzig
When I was younger I had the opportunity of hearing concert pianist Walter Hautzig giving one of his famous Masterclasses.  At one point in the class he turned to the audience and jokingly commented on one of his previous classes that he'd given in Japan.

     "When I was in Japan, I didn't speak the language.  Anytime I needed to explain something to a student I'd just push them off [the bench] and play it for them." (paraphrased)

At the time I laughed and thought nothing of it.

But lately, I've been trying what he said.  And it's been working.

Instead of explaining...for the millionth time.. to Johnny that he needs to play the measure with a forte at the end, I don't say a word about his forte. I push over his hands and say, "Now listen, and see if you can recreate this sound."  I play it for him and let his ear tell him where the forte belongs.

I'm surprised at how easily my kids are grasping dynamics, rhythms, phrasing, and all the other difficult problems in music simply by listening to me play them correctly for them.

Soon I'm going to try using the same technique with Horowitz, Rubinstein, and the other greats with my older kids.

I guess sometimes the old ways really are the best.
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