In this issue
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
All’s well that ends well
Jazz pianists face innumerable decisions when playing a song from the American Songbook. Every time we perform a song by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, or Duke…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
How Do You Teach the Dotted-Quarter Eighth Note Rhythm?
In this issue, we address the teaching of a basic, but often challenging, skill—the dotted-quarter eighth note rhythm. We wanted to take a different approach and…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
Healthy Technique for Beginning Students
Technique is such a broad term— thousands of pianists with different physical approaches to the instrument play well and (hopefully!) without injuries. But often when we…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
Let’s Get Physical: Technique – Bodywork for Pianists
What is good piano technique? Is it the ability to play fast scales? loud chords? hard pieces, that go on for a long time? Yes. All…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
A Philosophy of Piano Pedagogy
Editor's note: In this issue's column we present the first half of one of Frances Clark's popular lectures from the 1970s—"A Philosophy of Piano Pedagogy." Have…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
Making Time for Happiness
When will I eat breakfast?" This question came from eleven-year old Irene during a recent interview with a family seeking piano lessons. The mother called me…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
Mother (and Father) Musicians
Having a baby and trying to manage a piano teaching/playing career is a lot like juggling. Just remember: it's OK to have balls dropping all around you sometimes! The musician's path is a self-motivated…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
Overwhelmed: music educators as part of the “sandwich generation”
The nightmare scenario went like this: I had an eight-year-old on the piano bench, five minutes into the lesson. My own daughter was at daycare. The…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
Back to school later in life: is it for you?
Why would you want to go back to school at your age and put that kind of pressure on yourself?" That was the kind of response…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
Time-Saving Tips for Teachers
Music teachers have always been busy people. Many of us juggle more than one job—teaching, performing, church work—in addition to the personal aspects of our lives.…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
Richard Wagner at the Piano
Richard Wagner, c. 1861 Wagner was the ultimate drama king and a lightning rod for controversy, yet he remains one of the most fascinating and uncompromising figures in the arts. Richard Wagner's 200th birthday is being celebrated this year at major opera…
May 2013; Vol. 5, No. 3
Yes, Technology Can Simplify Your Hectic Teaching Life!
It's true! Check out the solutions from your colleagues that follow. There is no one approach that is the best one for all teachers. If you…