In this issue
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
Breakthroughs: The Sweetest Moments in Teaching
An Interview with William Westney I have recollections of a day, years ago, in graduate school. Like most days, I was frantically trying to get everything…
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
Praise for Nothing Means Nothing
My six-year-old granddaughter plays soccer in a league where the coaches and parents refuse to keep score, because they want the children to "feel good about themselves and…
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
The Ultimate Anti-Aging Hobby
Professional musicians have always been aware that their chosen profession contributes to a long lifespan, especially if they are pianists. The beloved Arthur Rubinstein continued to…
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
Reflections on A Remarkable Career
An Interview with James Lyke When I attended Jim Lyke's piano pedagogy classes in 1990 at the University of Illinois his reputation as a leader in the field…
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
In the Mood for Modes
Musicians throughout the centuries have been fascinated by modes, their unique structure and sound, and the opportunity for expressiveness they offer. From folk songs (Scarborough Fair) to pop…
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
How Do You Integrate Composition into Your Teaching of Music Reading?
Imagine an elementary school classroom in which students are taught how to read a written language both out loud and to their selves. They have vocabulary…
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
Building A Healthy Technique: Ideas from Matthay
The piano as we know it reached its full bloom in the late nineteenth century. Inventors have tinkered with the design in years since with varying…
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
How Do You Help Adults Get Over Stage Fright?
There are many famous people who have stage fright. According to Patrick Enright of MSNBC.com1; Andrea Bocelli told Connie Chung that he's constantly afflicted by stage fright…
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
Teaching in Other Cultures
In today's diverse world, piano teachers - even those in the U.S. - increasingly require special insight and compassion to meet the challenges and opportunities presented…
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
A Survival Manual for College Teachers
Every year it's the same - a group of my students prepare to leave the hallowed halls of academia and search for the elusive "job." For these students,…
May 2009; Vol. 1, No. 3
May 2009: Questions & Answers
Question I have been reading about the phases of learning: Preparation, Presentation, and Generalization. I believe I understand the concept, and am eager to try it in my…