You want something new to listen to. Where do you go? For me, growing up, that meant turning on the radio or hitting up one of the local music stores. There are so many choices out there, and new music keeps coming out every day. Where do you...
Read more
When taking music lessons, one may think it’s only for young students since most children enjoy extracurricular activities, but who says adults can’t enjoy lessons as well? There’s a journey that comes with learning music. Adults who take on music...
Read more
Have you ever witnessed a baby learn to walk? You may even remember that very first step forward, preceded by concentration and anticipation, and followed by cheers of excitement from the witnesses. The baby’s first step, woohoo! Then what? A...
Read more
During one-on-one lessons with a private instructor, it’s common for music students to get comfortable performing in front of their instructor after a short time. The confidence that students gain through sharing music with their instructor is one...
Read more
Subdividing is one of the most valuable skills a musician can have and is the basis for a consistent, reliable sense of time. Keeping good time is crucial for making music with others - if everyone is just winging it, the collective group will...
Read more
There are so many fun things to do now that school is out for the summer! However, one of those things is most likely not practicing your instrument. As a former student myself, I totally understand, so don’t feel guilty if this is you! Like most...
Read more
As musicians we know what it means to prepare for a performance, memorizing, adding dynamics and effective phrasing. We focus intensely while we prepare to perform. However, what do we do with our time between performances? How can we find focus...
Read more
Did you know your whole body is involved in playing music? Not just your fingers or vocal cords! When playing an instrument, your body becomes an extension of that instrument. Your fingers pluck strings or press keys, your mouth forms correct...
Read more
Developing a good sense of time or beat is key for every musician. A good sense of time can be developed while we play our instrument or away from it. Focusing on time while playing your instrument can be difficult since there is so much to think...
Read more
For as long as I can remember, I have been surrounded by music. My mom was always singing and dancing around the house, and I spent my weekends with a barbershop singer who was eager to teach me everything he knew. I really did grow to enjoy...
Read more
The other day a student of mine asked if I could teach him the "Tony Stark" song. My heart fluttered as I turned to the piano, asking as coolly as I could through my excitement, "Oh, this one?" I plucked out the Avenger's Theme. My student grinned...
Read more Have you found yourself tapping along to music you like? That’s your motor cortex, auditory cortex, and your cerebellum helping you figure out the rhythm and moving your body to the beat! Maybe now you’re humming or singing along with the melody...
Read more