Tag Archives: practice

Push Them Out of the Comfort Zone

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Marie

Both my parents worked outside the home. My mother used to be an editor for the local newspaper. I took advantage of her editing skills to spruce up my school assignments. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It’s not easy being the music teacher’s children, … Continue reading →

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Performance Fail: I Forgot My Recital Piece!

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Marie

I was thirteen, playing a memorized, four-minute piece at the Dade County Auditorium. I thought that I was well-prepared, but a minute into my piece, I forgot where my hands were supposed to go! Uh-oh. I took my hands off the … Continue reading →

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Preparing to Play Piano

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Marie

Piano teachers don’t just teach music. We teach posture and coordination, resilience and confidence. These life skills can be learned in other activities such as ballet or karate, but do you notice that playing an instrument, unlike ballet or karate, … Continue reading →

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4 Ways to Practice During Summer Break

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Marie

School is out! Summer vacation! Yay! It’s all fun and games until we realize that our young musicians will lose their skills if we allow them to dream away their summer holidays. Some families will choose to have the music … Continue reading →

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Self Taught vs Being Taught

Posted on March 30, 2019 by Marie

Q: When my son gets inspired, he goes onto YouTube and learns some songs using the tutorials. Is this ok? I have heard from some teachers that he should stick to his current piano course. A: There are always a … Continue reading →

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3 Reasons Summer Piano Lessons Make Sense

Posted on March 19, 2018 by Marie

Do your children tend to dream away their summer break? At Home Music’s 10 Lesson Summer Piano Program can help by providing a structured activity that leaves your child with a real sense of accomplishment. No more feeling that the summer … Continue reading →

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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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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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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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