Category Archives: keyboard technique

Piano Technique: Focusing on Rotation in arpeggios, and building up a scale (Videos)

Posted on May 27, 2012 by

These are two supplementary videos that I created for adult students between lessons. As previously mentioned, they clarify and reinforce the content of our class, and map out ways to practice. I. ROTATION at the turnaround of a B minor … Continue reading →

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Piano Instruction: How to practice Variation 2, Mozart Sonata No. 11 in A, K. 331 (Videos)

Posted on March 18, 2012 by

The biggest challenge in this particular variation is the fast-paced tempo and ornament execution–not to mention the fleeting 4 against 3 relationship of treble 32nds above 16ths in the bass. But the latter, should not be a big concern considering … Continue reading →

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Irina Morozova’s inspiring words flow through a lesson with an adult student (Beethoven’s Fur Elise-in-progress) Video

Posted on March 17, 2012 by

“From watching great pianists it is obvious that they incorporate quite different movements to achieve the same goals, because people do not play piano with fingers but rather with the mind and the ear. Again, it is the clear image … Continue reading →

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Piano Lesson: The challenge of playing a slow movement

Posted on March 15, 2012 by

I chose Muzio Clementi’s popular Sonatina in C, Op. 36, No. 1 to flesh out the contrasting middle movement designated ANDANTE by the composer. It’s definitely a challenge to play just 6 lines of music with beauty and finesse. As … Continue reading →

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Burgmuller’s “The Return”–like a light opera, with interspersed drama (videos)

Posted on March 4, 2012 by

“The Return” from the composer’s Twenty-Five Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, is ear-catching. Like an Offenbach opera replete with an Overture, it delights in a set of lighthearted staccato chords that spill into a passionate MINOR sequenced interlude, setting the heart … Continue reading →

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Piano Playing: How Anticipation can trip you up and what you can do about it. (Video)

Posted on July 25, 2011 by

Anticipation and its adverse influence on piano playing affect nearly every pianist regardless of level. It’s a form of mind-wandering where the player’s focus shifts from the here and now to musical events that will take place measures, if not … Continue reading →

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Skyped Piano Lessons: Using video supplements as reinforcement (Video sent to an 8-year old student)

Posted on July 22, 2011 by

Today I Skyped a third piano lesson between California and Oregon, and learned that the student I was mentoring was not 10-years old as I had thought all along, but only 8! Dad told me she had 10 months of … Continue reading →

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