Category Archives: Articles

Piano Lessons for Adults

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Marie

You have wanted to learn piano since childhood, but you never had the resources. Now that you have the instrument and the support you need for lesson, you feel that you’re too old to begin. If this is so, please … Continue reading →

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Reading Notes, Memorizing Pieces

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Marie

Q: I have a feeling that my child is not learning to read music. Instead, she memorizes the pieces. When I ask her to name one specific note in the written music, she cannot answer. I would like for her … Continue reading →

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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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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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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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