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The challenges of a pianist seeking housing

In this no thanks for the memories flashback, I recount the bias I'd experienced along the housing trail, when as a musician, pet owner and mother of a grown daughter, I applied for a Berkeley lease. (Add a grand piano to the mix, and my rental opportunities nearly evaporated) As it played out 2 years… Continue reading The challenges of a pianist seeking housing

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The saga of my Stagg Hydraulic Piano Bench (Videos)

I had reluctantly tossed two wooden piano benches into the garage of my apartment complex due to creaks, squeaks, and shaky legs that drove me up the walls during recording sessions. To add insult to injury, my next door neighbor's cleaning lady, dumped a week's worth of wine and beer bottles into the trash as… Continue reading The saga of my Stagg Hydraulic Piano Bench (Videos)

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An in depth “Over”-view of J.S. Bach Little Prelude in C Minor, BWV 934

This evening I prepared a video supplement for an adult student who brought the gorgeously woven Little Prelude in C minor (BWV 934) to his first lesson. Since I had studied this work at the suggestion of another student, from faraway Greece, I had laid a firm foundation in my own layer by layer learning… Continue reading An in depth “Over”-view of J.S. Bach Little Prelude in C Minor, BWV 934

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My new Overhead webcam view adds fingering clarity and choreography

A You Tube glimpse of Bach Scholar's set-up for piano lessons by Skype clarified the right overhead keyboard view. Instead of enlisting a clip-on cam that provided an abridged and inverted view of the the keys, I secured a horizontal Alzo mount for my Targus 60" tripod, that gives a perfect planet keyboard panorama. THE… Continue reading My new Overhead webcam view adds fingering clarity and choreography

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A NEW interview with pianist, Menahem Pressler

Just as the clocks were turned back here in the US, a student from the UK notified me of a recently posted interview with Pressler at the Berlin Philharmonic's Digital Concert Hall site. This is a FREE option, not needing subscriber status. (NOTE: The interview is in German with English subtitles) http://www.digitalconcerthall.com/en/interview/16878-3 "It is love… Continue reading A NEW interview with pianist, Menahem Pressler

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Facebook puts Menahem Pressler center stage, practicing “with love.”

An encore tribute to Maestro Pressler caught my eye on FB's Art of Piano Pedagogy forum. Deborah Rambo Sinn, a fine musician and teacher in her own right posted "My violinist's interview" with the octogenarian plus ten. It was the perfect supplement to a 2012 blog that I'd dedicated to Menahem that resonates into the… Continue reading Facebook puts Menahem Pressler center stage, practicing “with love.”