For late beginner level through early intermediate piano students, a lot of focus is put on learning how to utilize the damper pedal and master the technique of connected pedaling. This post details an approach to introducing the pedal to students of this level in a way that can encourage natural development of pedaling technique.
General
How to Make Chord Chart Reading for Kids Easy and Fun
It’s not all the time that younger piano students express the want or desire to read chord charts. When the do, the basics are all you’ll need to get them started. Don’t over think the simplest way to read chord charts.
Dynamic Marks Define the Character Of A Piano Piece
Is your piano music sounding a little blah? Think about your dynamic marks and what they can mean for your to your playing and music. They aren’t just ink on a page ya know!
Dessert Music – Having Pudding Before You Eat Your Meat
How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat! Can you name that tune? This article examines the dessert of music lessons and if it’s OK, to eat it before we eat out vegetables. Figuratively of course.
Benefit Of Voice Lessons
When we are taught the proper way to sing, it is proven to prolong the life of your vocal chords. One of the reasons I believe this is so important for an alto is simply because of the natural low register of their voice.
Rhythm And Movement – Can Rhythm Be Taught?
Yes, anyone can be taught to play in time. Patience and creativity can go along way in helping a student with this sometimes difficult task. A great teacher understands that every student is different and will do whatever it takes to help a student learn. Clap, sing, draw, dance, and eventually, your natural rhythm will shine!
When All Else Fails, Bribe Them! Practice Music
In our dream world, students practice daily because they love music and because they believe us when we say that practice makes perfect. In reality, students practice once a week, probably ten minutes before the lesson. Not all of them, of course! Some don’t even practice those ten minutes before the lesson.
How To Start A Family Band
This article covers some of the basic ways to get an ensemble started amongst siblings and/or friends. You don’t have to reach a certain level of proficiency to be able to participate and benefit from the experience, but with some guidelines for arranging, the results can be fabulous!
4 Steps To Sing Vowels Correctly
This entry is to singers taking who are having trouble singing vowels. There are some steps you can take that will help produce a better vowel sound. We all know that singing is singing on vowels. Go ahead, try to sing a “D”, “T”, or “B”. You can’t do it. The sound you’re actually singing
Alto Singers In A Choir Or Small Ensemble
I believe the importance of alto singers in a group cannot be overstated. They make the sound of a choir full, contribute to the melody, and have the best ears when it comes to female voices.