Tag: playing the piano

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A common chorus among adult piano students

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

As decades pass, and each adult piano student on his personal journey chimes in with a greeting at the start of a lesson, I've noticed a synchronized choir of commonly expressed thoughts. The riveting idée fixe that resonates LIVE and through SKYPE channels, is like the redundant motif of Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique. "I really want… Continue reading A common chorus among adult piano students

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A different view of Bach and the piano (Prelude in C) Video

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

On a whim, I decided to keep my Mac at a distance from the Steinway, walk over to the piano without being too conspicuous, and offhandedly play the Bach Prelude in C from the Well-Tempered Clavier. Since I hadn't yet mastered the editing side of iMovie, I figured a majestic lead into the playing would… Continue reading A different view of Bach and the piano (Prelude in C) Video

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Piano Technique: Avoiding pencil point playing

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

One of the biggest challenges for piano students of all levels is to produce a lovely singing tone. And the most significant physical impediment to molto cantabile (very singable) playing is having a taut wrist. Without its being supple or flexible, the descent of the finger onto the key is the equivalent of landing stiffly… Continue reading Piano Technique: Avoiding pencil point playing

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Paying a child to practice piano?

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

I was scanning *Piano World's forums and noticed posts about paying children to do their daily practicing. An assortment of contributors thought the idea had merit. My first response, without embroiling myself too deeply in the discussion, was to abhor the "practice" altogether. I saw no value in viewing piano playing as a $$$ rewarded… Continue reading Paying a child to practice piano?

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Piano Instruction: The Virtues of Slow Motion Practicing and Attentive Listening

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

It takes patience to approach a piece well behind tempo, tuning in to every nuance and turn of phrase. With ears alert and sensitive, the player tries to create a feeling state where he's submerged in sound to the exclusion of all else. At the pinnacle of concentration, he's "in the zone," attaining Maslow's "peak… Continue reading Piano Instruction: The Virtues of Slow Motion Practicing and Attentive Listening