5-Minute Piano Lessons

The “war of instruments” is counter-productive in addition to silly

If there is one thing that pianists get hot about it is the “war of instruments” between the proponents of acoustic pianos and lovers of digital pianos. I know because I get caught in their battles quite often. Any reader of these essays knows that I believe the digital piano to be the best instrument for the amateur pianist, as well as a superior instrument for learning to play in the first place. If you’d like to know my reasoning please see Three Reasons to Buy a DIGITAL Piano or Digital Pianos vs. Acoustic Pianos. I hope what I say helps you come to some conclusions. However, I have one final thing to say about all this and it would be worthwhile for any pianist or piano student to hear it. (more…)

Who Decides What Is or Is NOT Music – and Why You Should Care

I teach piano to adults. They love many different kinds of piano playing from show tunes and ballads to the classics. One thing many of them say when the subject comes up is “Rap is not music.” Most are then surprised when I explain why they should change their opinion – for their own good. (more…)

Practicing Piano Scales is Most Worthwhile when Done Smartly

I don’t know why I was surprised when the site’s “analytics” (the statistics that tell me each week what folks have been interested in reading) told me that the “big draw” recently was practicing scales – something I only rarely assign to my piano students. This interest makes sense, however, considering that music teachers have been pushing scale practice for centuries. This is sad to me, because more time and attention is wasted on lousy and inefficient scale practice by aspiring hobbyist pianists than almost anything, other than lousy and inefficient practice routines in general. I’d like to set the record straight on this topic and hopefully save you readers time and frustration.

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Practicing Piano Scales is Most Worthwhile when Done Smartly

In Part One, I suggested you ask yourself three questions regarding piano scale practice:

“What will I, personally, get out of the effort that will help me play the music I want to play the way I want to play it?”

“If scales provide something I need, is there any other way to get the same skill/knowledge, perhaps in more enjoyable fashion?”

“Are all scales equally important?” meaning, “Which scales deserve the most attention?” and, “Are some scales not worth my time and effort?”

This essay deals with the first two questions, which are closely related.

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Practicing Piano Scales is Most Worthwhile when Done Smartly

In this final essay regarding scales and scale practice, I’d like to answer the final (multi-part) question I posed in the first of these essays:

“Are all scales equally important?” meaning, “Which scales deserve the most attention?” and, “Are some scales not worth my time and effort?”

The simple answer to this question is “No” but such an answer doesn’t help much or even inspire much confidence in its correctness. Let me explain. (more…)

The famous composer/teacher speaks wisdom for modern pianists and piano students:

“Strive to play easy pieces well and beautifully. It is better than to render difficult pieces only indifferently well.” (more…)

Which Piano Should You Buy?

Let’s continue with our discussion of the relative merits of the acoustic piano and the digital piano. I continue to believe that for both the amateur pianist and the beginner the digital piano is the better choice. Naturally, you, the buyer, will choose the instrument which best fits your needs and interests. I’m presenting my views as a long time instructor of adult piano students to possibly assist your choice. (more…)

Adult Piano Students All Want it and Here’s How to Get It

“Fluency” – the ability to play your favorite music with little effort

Ah, fluency! To pick up a new piece of sheet music, sit down at the piano and simply play it as written, with maybe one or two small errors – at full tempo with a steady beat so it moves along as expected. THAT’S the most common goal of  adult pianists, whatever their tastes in piano music. (more…)