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What’s the score?
From time to time we musicians struggle with interpreting the symbols on a page of music. It can feel like a mysterious secret language. Which gets me to thinking about the who, what, when, where, and why of musical notation. Much of our music notation system got its start in European monasteries in the 9th…
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Peter and the Wolf
The Royal Conservatory of Music recently released new theory books for each of their piano levels. They correlate and support the skills students are learning in sight, ear, repertoire, and technique. And now, each level contains guided listening assignments and music history. At a recent group performance class I presented Peter and the Wolf by…
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Is that how it goes?
My students just performed at a students-only performance class, and are now preparing for our upcoming recital. At recent lessons we have been discussing practice and memorization strategies. I keep threatening to make a video for my students of me practising. And I suspect that we are taxing the ears and patience of our fans…
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Oh, that sounds impressive
This year’s teaching theme is technical development. A significant portion of a pianist’s practice time is spent working on scales, triads, chords, and arpeggios so that we have that facility at our fingertips [pun intended!] when we encounter those elements in our repertoire. At our recent group class, my piano students and I were discussing technique.…
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One is the Loneliest Number
Learning how to play the piano can be a solitary endeavour. We usually practise alone. When we perform, we are front and centre – and all alone – on the stage. My students are becoming quite competent solo performers. But, some of my best times making music have been with other musicians. At our most recent group…
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It’s the little things
On Sunday afternoon I taught this year’s third and final group lessons before my students and I enter the busy festival and exam season. As I tidied up the papers and books and rearranged the furniture I reflected on this year’s preparations and results. Once again I came to the conclusion that these three group lessons…
