Harvesting the Riches of Bartok’s Mikrokosmos
William Westney introduces his new video series on Bartok’s Mikrokosmos and explains why it is an indispensible “power tool” to him as a teacher.
The Importance of Teaching Healthy Technique
In this week’s blog post, Penelope discusses the importance of teaching healthy technique and shares a few tips and suggestions for doing so!
Teaching Healthy, Expressive Technique Preview
This week we bring you a preview of a new online course on teaching healthy, expressive piano technique based on Penelope Roskell’s award-winning book The Complete Pianist.
Create First! Teaching Improvisation from Lesson One
This week’s guest post features an article by pianist, composer, and educator Forrest Kinney. In his post, Forrest introduces his approach to a creativity-based model for music education in which…
On Rhythm: How to Develop a Steady Pulse
I decided to put together an occasional series on rhythm, in response to readers who say they experience rhythmical issues when they play. There are many factors that may contribute…
On Demonstration
There are those teachers who demonstrate for their students all the time in piano lessons, and those others who don't go near the instrument. I have studied with both types.…
Remembering my Studies with Peter Wallfisch
I had the great privilege to embark on my postgraduate studies with Peter Wallfisch, studying with him from 1980 for two years (but returning on occasion thereafter). During my time…
A Practical Theory Lesson
Learn why starting with B major and D flat major scales simplifies piano learning. Chopin’s approach makes scales more comfortable for beginners. Discover practical exercises like the Circle of Fifths and improve your piano teaching techniques!
Chess or Checkers?
I have written extensively about the subject of slow practice on this blog and elsewhere. Since slow practice is such a cornerstone of our practice routine I don't apologise for making a…