Around the World with Piano Magazine



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Curious about music and music-making practices around the world? Piano Magazine has you covered with articles covering piano teaching and performance practices in all corners of the globe.

Piano Music by Composers from Asia: A History of Self-Discovery

In this article by Lisa Yui from the Spring 2023 issue, Yui writes about her journey of discovering composers from throughout Asia including composers from Iran, Armenia, China, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Japan, and more. Throughout this journey, Yui reflects on the music, but also the barriers that still exist that limit the worldwide knowledge and appreciation of the many important composers from this part of the world. Read more by clicking here.


Breaking Stereotypes: Understanding the True Diversity of Indigenous Music

Composer and pianist Connor Chee shares his lived experiences as a Diné musician and composer in this article about Indigenous music. In his reflection, Chee shares a story about a time in which he was exposed to stereotypes about his identity and how this has shaped his mission as a composer today. In addition to providing a richer understanding for all about what it means to be a composer from an Indigenous community, Chee also reflects on cultural appreciation in music and teaching methods and suggests a path forward towards greater understanding and respect. Discover more by clicking here.


Connor Chee
Connor Chee

2020 Collegiate Writing Contest Winner: Norwegian Folk Songs: Making Rhythmic Complexities Easy and Enjoyable

In her winning article on Norwegian folk songs, author Sarah Jenkins makes the case for using rhythmically complex tunes as a source for exciting musical exploration while challenging students to master rhythmic control. The article introduces two pieces by Norwegian composer Agathe Backer Grøndahl, Springdans from Op. 30 and Halling from Op. 33, as evidence of music that can inspire and motivate students. The article offers teaching tips to help instructors successfully approach this music and improve the metrical stability of their students’ playing. Read the entire article by clicking here.


An American Family’s Musical Journey Through Cuba

Discover musical experiences in Cuba in this article by Elizabeth Borowsky who traveled to Cuba twice in 2012 and 2016. Her experiences with her family took her to Havana and Cumanayagua where she spent time interacting with people, listening to performances, and sharing music of her own. While bridging cultures, Borowsky’s experiences connect people of different backgrounds and unite them behind the power of music. Learn more about their experience in Cuba by clicking here.


A bright red old-fashioned car on the streets of Havana, Cuba.
Lessons with (from) Kenya

In this article by Pete Jutras, he shares the story of his connection with the Moi Girls’ School in Eldoret, Kenya. After meeting the music teacher from this school who was visiting the University of Georgia, Jutras was inspired to help develop their music program. Jutras fundraised and travelled to Kenya with students and began a program to allow for online instruction to occur between graduate students at UGA and the school in Kenya. Uncover more lessons from Kenya by clicking here.


Collegiate Runner Up: East Meets West: The Development of Turkish Music

In this article by Eymen Geylan, readers discover the history of Turkish music and its development beginning with the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. The Turkish government funded opportunities for talented musicians to travel to Europe for study, and brought in major composers from Bartók to Hindemith. The article also introduces readers to repertoire by Turkish composers. Ahmed Adnan Saygun, Ulvi Cemal Erkin, Hasan Ferit Alnar, and Cemal Resit Rey. Read more about Turkish music by clicking here.


Zoom & Gloom: The Melbourne Experience of the Perils and Pleasures of the Online Advanced Piano Lesson

In this article by Ian Holtham, he details his experience of teaching online at the University of Melbourne during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the pandemic, Holtham spent significant time determining the best ways to share technical and musical feedback to advanced pianists online. In the article, he discusses a variety of advanced literature such as contrapuntal works by Bach to etudes by Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. Read the entire article by clicking here.


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