Learning to Read Music

What is the Difference Between Simple Time and Compound Time?

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As a piano teacher, I have been asked this question many times and sometimes the information available is not clear cut. First of all, every time signature that exists in western traditions of music falls into the category of either simple time or compound time. Simple time includes: 2/4, 3/4,  4/4 Compound time examples are: … Read more

Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

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Most of us would be quite familiar with the expression of ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. It was certainly a phrase that I heard my mother say many times when I was little and in some ways, I have taken it to heart. ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’, really does put into a compact expression the notion … Read more

Why Retirees and Older People Can be Nervous at Starting at a Later Age

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I have my own particular theory as to why retirees and older people can be quite hesitant at taking the plunge and finally learning to play the piano. We live in a society that glorifies youth. Don’t get me wrong, I am not against young people – they can have so much optimism and energy, … Read more

The Difference Between Wanting and Wishing to Play the Piano

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As I have stated many times before, I get so many people telling me that they would like to learn to play the piano. I would have heard it hundreds, if not, a few thousand times and I have learned that people don’t always mean what they say. Actually, when it really comes down to … Read more

Piano Teachers are Professionals

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For some of you that statement is obvious. You understand that piano teachers are indeed professionals. However, every so often I hear a comment here or there that piano teachers are not really that good. I’ve even had comments made to my face, in the context of meeting a new student (or parent when it … Read more

Don’t Quit When Learning Gets Hard

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In some ways it is the easiest thing in the world to quit when things get tough and it is no different when you are learning to play the piano. It is easy to forget that hard does not mean impossible, hard just means that it is challenging. I know I am preaching to the … Read more

Music Terminology – Why Are There Two Different Systems?

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Music terminology tends to have two different systems in the English language to name note values, rest values as well as a few assorted other terms. Obviously, other languages would have there own terminology words. In English, there is the British English terminology and the American English terminology. This isn’t surprising as there are so … Read more