Paying a child to practice piano?

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…

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

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…