Author Archives: Marie

Piano Tutorial: “Water Lilies”

Posted on August 19, 2017 by Marie

The third piece in the Michael Aaron Piano Course, Grade 3, titled “Water Lilies,” is usually difficult for some students. Lots of things are going on in this piece: 1. Four flats make it a A-flat Major key signature. 2. … Continue reading →

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Today in Music History, 1979

Posted on July 1, 2017 by Marie

Sony Corporation released its Walkman, a portable media player, today in 1979. Its predecessor, a five-pound, notebook-sized player, was too cumbersome to carry around all day. The Walkman changed the way that people ran their errands, now happily and privately … Continue reading →

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This is Amazing Grace, Video Tutorial

Posted on June 25, 2017 by Marie

It is always wonderful to learn that our students have volunteered their own talents! A particular young lady asked me to help her learn the worship song “This is Amazing Grace” by Phil Wickham for her church’s service.

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Getting Ahead During the Summer

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Marie

Summertime is a great time to get ahead in piano lessons. While everyone is lounging about, a child can keep his language and mathematics skills strong and even hone his motor skills by taking piano lessons. One or two lessons … Continue reading →

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Using MusicTheory.net, Tutorial

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Marie

As a music teacher, I prefer that my students learn to identify each note on the page. Unfortunately, many students end up learning their piece of music by memorizing it, that is, from all the repetition. This is not a … Continue reading →

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Helping Your Young Child Practice the Piano

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Marie

Q: I have no musical training, but I’m expected to help my son practice between his lessons. I’m so scared that I’ll teach him wrong! Shouldn’t the teacher make sure that he knows what to do before assigning homework? A: … Continue reading →

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Back to School Piano

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Marie

Back to School is the best time of year to start piano lessons. Many parents are apprehensive about signing their children up for lessons so early in the school year, but waiting for the children to get settled on a schedule … Continue reading →

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2 Tips for Finding the Best Quality Piano Instructor

Posted on August 13, 2016 by Marie

All parents want the best quality for their children. How do you know that you will get that when hiring a piano teacher? 1. Wait to ask, “How much are your rates?” Many parents may be tempted to hire a … Continue reading →

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12 Bar Blues — Simple

Posted on July 9, 2016 by Marie

I have the pleasure to teach the piano to a triplet. Her brothers play electric guitar. They want to form a band, so the boys’ music teacher asked me to teach my student a twelve bar blues riff in a … Continue reading →

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Spring Recital, 2016

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Marie
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