When is a child ready for piano lessons?

When is a child ready for piano lessons? That is the question I’ve been asking myself over the last few years and I think I’m coming closer to an answer that makes sense to me. I’ve been teaching piano lessons regularly for about 12 years now, and after working with several children ages 4-7, I’ve … Continue reading »

Piano or Keyboard?

Lately I’ve been thinking about the piano vs. keyboard debate. When parents ask if a keyboard is okay for a beginner to learn on, my first gut reaction is “No! Don’t get a keyboard! Get a piano!” But I stop myself before I say this because I know buying a piano is an investment, especially … Continue reading »

Flute can be cool…

Playing flute isn’t all about fluffy French conservatoire pieces or Quantz:   And what about this young gentleman improvising to Song to a Cuckoo?   I was once made fun of, by a friend’s boyfriend, when I told him I wanted to play jazz flute. Seems like he didn’t know about these musicians. They’re worth … Continue reading »

New season/new books/new method?

Fall-term piano lessons are starting soon, and with the start of a fresh year, I always like to introduce new concepts into the studio. A couple weeks ago I checked out these books to get me thinking about piano lessons in a different way. I’m in the process of transitioning away from traditional piano methods, … Continue reading »

and the moon descends on the pool that was

My heart is a little heavy tonight. After spending a couple hours browsing the library at St. Catherine University (my alma mater) on Saturday for various piano and music-related books I decided to stroll through campus. The flowers were beautiful, there was a wedding going on in the chapel, there were ducks floating on the … Continue reading »

Night Symphony

It’s late. Through the open window I hear steady cricket chirps over a background of miscellaneous insect drones. Layered on top of this is the white hum of the refrigerator, the clicking of keyboard keys, and the cackle of a woman’s laughter from a distance. A night symphony. It’s based on W. A. Mathieu’s “Symphony … Continue reading »