Piano lessons in West St. Paul
I read a lot. What I mean to say is that I’m addicted to libraries and books. I’m slightly embarrassed to say that I go to a library about 2-3 times a week (the location varies, out of all the libraries in the twin cities). But books are a good addiction, right? The only downside … Continue reading Wisdom from (non-music) books, Part 1
I’d like to give a little shout-out for Screen Free week, April 30-May 6, sponsored by Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. Maybe a little screen time can be substituted with music play time this week. May is a busy month for most kids: weekends and weeknights are filled with piano and dance recitals, band concerts, … Continue reading Music/Sound Play Ideas for Screen-Free Week, Apr. 30-May 6
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 When is a child ready for piano lessons?
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 Piano or Keyboard?
On our way home to Minnesota from Christmas vacation in Nebraska, we stopped to visit my grandma and her gentleman friend. I had never been to Mr. M’s house before and after sitting on the couch for awhile and chatting, I noticed a covered-up organ against the far wall. I politely asked if I could … Continue reading My Nebraska Vacation: Strawberry Fluff and the Thomas Color-Glo Organ from ’79
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 Flute can be cool…
I was looking at Juana Molina’s site the other day (and if you’re not familiar with her, check her out. She’s amazing.), and came across this video. It’s so sweet–I couldn’t stop watching it. I love it because they both look so happy. I love it because it’s a good example of how a … Continue reading Reason #1 to play music: it makes you happy
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 New season/new books/new method?
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 and the moon descends on the pool that was
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 Night Symphony
siobhann paulman music studio 