What is the Point to Learning Music Theory?

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As a child and teenager, I did not enjoy learning music theory, but I had to because my piano teacher made it compulsory. I am not alone. Many piano students do not enjoy doing theory, simply because it isn’t as fun as actually playing the piano. By the time I got to study music at … Read more

Writing the Names of the Notes on the Music

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This is actually a pet peeve of mine – students writing the letter names of the notes on their music. It happens so often. I do understand why students attempt to do this. Students are thinking that this is a short cut. As a one off, it does make it easier to so called read … Read more

Why People Procrastinate About Learning to Play the Piano

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Let’s face it – everyone procrastinates about something and a sizable proportion of people who find excuses so they can legitimately put off learning to play the piano are older adults. I will absolutely acknowledge that there are a number of people that end up waiting until they are well and truly retired, because of … Read more

Positioning Yourself Correctly at the Piano

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Positioning yourself at the piano, including having your hands in a good shape, is a topic that doesn’t get talked about much, but I think it is important. It’s important because if you are not positioned correctly, you could be causing soreness somewhere in your body, or worse, you could end up doing yourself an … Read more

Just Do It – Nike was right!

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The catchphrase of ‘just do it’ proved to be a very successful advertising slogan, which they used for many years and they actually own the trademark for that slogan. The origins of the phrase are a little dark, so I won’t share them with you because they would end up being a distraction, but it … Read more

You Can’t Argue With Success

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This is an expression that I use all the time, but I have no idea where I originally got it from (I really wish I did). I use this expression when I see or hear of circumstances that are a little unusual or different. I think that this statement is very useful when teaching the … Read more