Or that the accordion is the national instrument of Finland? The percussion triangle used to have as many as eight angles? The celesta looks like a piano but is actually a percussion instrument that is relatively new to history? There is a pocket trumpet that is wound tightly so it is only 8 inches in …
Continue reading Fun Fact Friday: The Stories of Musical Instruments
As I was looking over my reading lists from the past few years, I realized that I've read an unusual amount of books about habits. And though their titles and premises may all seem very different, I was startled to look back and realize that all of them relate to the phrase "how we spend …
Continue reading Habits – Why They Should Matter to the Musician.
Any studio that chooses to teach through the summer understands that it will present its own unique challenges. Schedules change, motivation can wane, and those who are not as self-motivated in personality tend to struggle through practice during the months off of a school routine. With this in mind, there are two ways to gear …
Continue reading Summer Strategies: Warming up to Piano Practice
It's that time of year where schedules change, tuition increases are implemented, and those who have been contemplating whether or not to continue lessons will make the final call as the calendar switches to summer. Sometimes those that move on are not a surprise, while others seem to quit out of nowhere. But it never …
Continue reading Questions to Ask Before Your Child Quits Piano
Spring is in the air, and Easter is just around the corner! And whether or not you view Easter as a big holiday with gifts, music, and celebration, this holiday is an opportunity waiting to be taken hold of when it comes to encouraging a musical home environment 🙂 Easter baskets and chocolate bunnies are …
Continue reading Looking for Easter Basket Fillers With a Longer Shelf Life?
What do your students learn about composers and professional musicians in your studio? Because I desire to see my students become composers and invested musicians themselves, it is monumentally important that I introduce them to a wide array of musicians. Who can be a musician? Anyone! Color, race, gender, or any other category do not …
Did you know that February 8th was John Williams’ 90th birthday?! Not only has this incredible man had a lifetime of composing many of the most recognizable movie soundtracks (Star Wars, Home Alone, Jaws, Jurassic Park, among many, many others), but he continues to conduct orchestras today! By the time he was out of grade …
Welcome to February! The month where all things love, winter (snow seems to fall a bit extra in Cleveland), and Black History month converge! While I strive to incorporate Valentine’s Day and weather-related activities in with my student’s learning, February presents a unique opportunity to celebrate artists and music styles in a very specific and …
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and Cupid is doing some target practice around my studio 🙂 This year I've committed to popping in quick and easy note reading practice every moment possible during lessons. Typically, keeping it short makes it that much more palatable for those students who typically squirm when note reading …
In Cleveland it has been snowy, cold, and generally the perfect weather to stay inside and curl up with a blanket, a good book, and my thoughts 🙂 Now I don't often sit with my thoughts and ask the question as to whether or not my profession has value - both musically and in making my …
Piano Possibilities 