5-Minute Piano Lessons

The proper priorities regarding chords and fakebooks can save time and improve your playing

Note: This essay is taken from my ebook concerning Advanced Chord and Fakebook Use. I felt it too important to limit it to that source.

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of what I consider Advanced chord and fakebook usage, I want to urge you to keep your priorities straight as you study. These priorities are stated in this essay’s title, at least as I’ve found them in 40+ years of successful piano performance. I truly believe it will be very worth your time to consider my reasoning before you embark upon the study of the rest of this ebook. (more…)

Understanding one’s preferences regarding art is always difficult

I’ve boiled it down like this. (more…)

Should the Piano Student Strive for Good Music or Proper Following Directions?

A moment ago, as I was practicing my piano, I had a startling realization. I suspect (since I cannot read minds) that many of my piano students are subconsciously striving to play their piano music “the proper way.” This would explain why they ask me, their instructor, to pass judgment on their piano efforts (remember that these are adults, music lovers who have voluntarily come to me for lessons.) (more…)