Music theory often feels like a treasure hunt, uncovering new gems that can transform your playing and composing. Today’s focus is quartal, quintal and secundal harmonies. Let’s explore these three fascinating ways to build chords that break away from western traditional norms. Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or just starting out, understanding these harmonies can …
What are quartal, quintal and secundal harmonies? Read More »
Films about musicians and the music business have long captured the public imagination. In recent years, movies like “Elvis” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” have illuminated the personal struggles behind highly public music legends, a trend that shows no sign of slowing down, as movies about Bob Marley, Carole King, and Leonard Bernstein are all either in …
10 actors who learned an instrument for a role Read More »
Music is more than its emotive powers. Playing an instrument can bring unexpected physical and even health benefits, too. It’s great for cognitive health because it engages every part of the central nervous system, John Dani, chair of neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, told Penn Medicine News. He also noted …
The musical instruments adults most regret quitting Read More »
“The piano keys are black and white, but they sound like a million colors in your mind”. – Maria Cristina Mena I’ve been on my own piano journey for a while now, and I know firsthand how tricky it can be to figure out where you stand. The skill levels in this guide are based …
How to gauge your piano skill level? Read More »
Improvisation on the piano is not reserved for the seasoned professionals; it’s a journey that beginners can embark on too. Whether you’re looking to switch off from the daily grind, explore new experiences, or express your inner romantic, learning to improvise on the piano can be a fulfilling endeavor. In this guide, we’ll explore how …
How to improve improvisation skills on the piano Read More »
Reading two clefs simultaneously is one of the most unique musical challenges available and the piano is virtually the only instrument that requires us to do so. When you get in the zone of reading two clefs at the same time, you enter a true flow state. It is quite amazing and well worth pursuing. …
Learning to read two clefs at once! Read More »
The more you practice piano, the faster you will improve. That is a basic fact of piano playing that we all must deal with. However, we do not always have access to the piano, even when we want to practice. Fortunately, it is possible to practice music away from the piano! This week we will …
Strategies to practice music away from a piano Read More »
Introduction Time signatures are a fundamental part of music notation, directing pianists on the rhythm and structure of each bar. They specify both the number of beats per measure and the note value that counts as one beat. Understanding time signatures allows pianists to grasp a piece’s rhythmic foundation, interpret a score accurately and maintain …
What are the different types of time signatures in piano music? Read More »
In a world with thousands of different languages, people from across the globe still come together to share in the power of music. Whether it be classical, jazz, rock, or pop, the message that music sends has no borders. It is the language of the soul in which we are all fluent regardless of the …
Join in the Celebration: World Music Day 2017 Read More »
Learning how to balance your hands on the piano is an important skill to develop. Developing solid and consistent control over your tone, dynamics, and articulation is a skill that is not built overnight. It takes months and years of practice to build a strong sound on the piano. Fortunately, having an awareness of this …
It’s all in the hands: balance, dynamics, and tone Read More »
Practice smarter Some folks spend lots of time practicing piano or other instruments every day, while others do shorter sessions, like 20 minutes a few times a week. But does practicing longer mean you’ll get better faster? Not really. It’s not just about how long you practice, but how smart you practice. Many great musicians …
The art of piano practice Read More »
Yes, piano lessons for adults do make sense! Throughout my life as a pianist, I have always received praise and admiration from those around me. Uncles, aunties, and friends of my parents tell me how much they wished they’d learnt the piano, but always talk as though it is too late to learn. This idea that it’s …
Piano lessons for adults – why it’s never too late to learn piano Read More »
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