Author Archives: Marie

How Young is Too Young to Begin?

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Marie

How old is too old? Piano lessons can begin at any age, but there must be an optimal age, yes? There are more than a few schools of thought on this issue. The Suzuki Method encourages very young children who … Continue reading →

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Today in Music History, 1829

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Marie

Today in Music History, 1829, Vienna, Austria: The accordion patent is officially granted to Cyrill Demian. Since then, Western music has come a long way. Have fun listening to the accordion version of a-ha’s “Take On Me.”

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The First Lesson: Names of the White Keys on the Piano

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Marie

To begin the first lesson, I ask the student to identify a pattern on the piano. If he needs help, a good hint is to note the black keys. I have heard many good responses, but the response that I’m … Continue reading →

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False or Weak Praise

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Marie

Q: I feel like I’m guilty of over-praising my child after he plays the piano at home. I don’t want to hurt his feelings, but I don’t want to give him a false sense of victory, either. How can I … Continue reading →

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Auditions and Competitions

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Marie

January is typically audition season for students who are applying for magnet programs. If you are concerned that your child is not yet ready for his audition, contact your local music teacher and request private lessons. Just a few hours … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday, Ozzy Osbourne

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Marie

Singer, songwriter, and actor John Michael Osbourne, b. 1948 in Birmingham, England, has sold more than 100 million heavy metal albums, thus dubbing him the “Godfather of Heavy Metal.”

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Proper Piano Posture

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Marie

Begin sitting on the piano bench only about the front edge or half of the bench, feet resting on the floor, and your knees lower than your hips. This form keeps pressure off of your lower back when you are … Continue reading →

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Piano and Musical Goals

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Marie

You have decided that it’s time to begin piano lessons. Why? Do you have a relative or friend who also plays music and wish to play together? Perhaps you’d like to learn a few carols for Christmas. Do you have … Continue reading →

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A Good Piano Warm Up

Posted on September 29, 2012 by Marie

Have you ever sat down at the piano to play a little bit to enjoy yourself but end up flubbing and tripping and mushing the tones together? You know that you know the music, so why does it happen? It … Continue reading →

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Reviewing Repertoire

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Marie

Practicing piano as your child would during the lessons might become dull and monotonous, which I find ironic because piano is the opposite of monotone! Jokes aside, I will continue to beat the “3 minutes per year of age” drum, … Continue reading →

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