One of my adult students refers to any particularly challenging but inspiring piece of piano music as his "nemesis." Although I believe we should love our piano repertoire, the word "nemesis" kept popping into my head recently.
Read morePiano Technique Tip: Transforming Tension into Ease
In one of my recent workshops, pianists cited physical tension as the number one challenge they face at the piano. This wasn't surprising at all! As most musicians know from hands-on experience, it's not easy to simply flip the tension switch off.
Read moreThe [Insert Your Name] Method
An interactive post about how we each develop our own unique method to whatever it is we do; from cooking a meal to playing piano to the way we walk through life.
Read moreThe Right Brain’s Role in Music Learning
Our brain has a notable line dividing the brain into two distinct hemispheres which we refer to as “brain lateralization”. The purpose of having a separate right hemisphere and left hemisphere continues to be a source of great debate.
Read moreAn Online Library for Playing Piano with Ease
Members of my studio enjoy access to an exclusive space filled with resources for improving musicianship. This library currently includes practice strategy guides as well as over twenty movement lessons.
Read moreAll About Online Lessons
There is a an additional layer of comfort when taking a lesson from your own home and on your very own instrument. Online lessons also allow for more flexible scheduling, including the ability to take a lesson while traveling or after a move.
Read moreThe Quickstart Guide to Injury Recovery For Musicians
Injury is no fun, but it happens at an alarmingly high rate among musicians. The exact number varies.
Read moreTo Breathe or Not to Breathe
For me, the question of respiratory function and playing piano has been filled with frustration and uncertainty. To be we must breathe, and the way we breathe greatly impacts our quality of life and musicianship.
Read moreOnline Resources for Injured Musicians
Check out this list of online resources for injured musicians.
Read moreAlternative Sized Keyboards Provide Relief for Small Hands
Two weeks ago my friend Suzanne and I visited David Steinbuhler, founder of the D.S. Standard Foundation. David custom builds piano actions with narrower key sizes.
Read moreGetting Setup for Online Piano Lessons
Please follow these directions to ensure you have a seamless and effortless experience in your online lesson. Let me know if you need help configuring these settings prior to your first lesson.
Read moreReframing Performance Anxiety
The language we use to describe our experience has a major impact on our well-being. The efficacy of reappraising "performance anxiety" as "performance excitement" is supported by research.
Read moreFostering Fluidity: A Free Practice Guide
Have you ever practiced diligently, but noticed that your repertoire grows more tense and more difficult the longer you practice? This common problem is easily remedied when we practice our repertoire with more variation.
Read morePreparing for an Online Movement Class
Preparing for your online Feldenkrais® class? Setup your space with the right mat and props to help you feel confident, supported, and ready to move.
Read moreAll About Purchasing a Piano
I highly recommend starting out with an acoustic piano whenever possible! People often cite the yearly tunings, the cost of moving, and other piano maintenance as a reason to purchase digital over acoustic. However, the benefit of an acoustic instrument far exceeds the cost of maintenance.
Read moreFree Rhythmic Breathing Lesson
This audio recording investigates the timing of four parts of the breath: inhale, hold, exhale, hold. It accompanies the Six Rhythmic Breathing Etudes, which are six short studies for studying the art of breathing while playing.
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