Piano Maker’s Corner: Cristofori’s Piano Revolution Lives On
Bartolomeo Cristofori. Is that a significant name to you? As a "Piano Addict", it really should be! It is said that somewhere between the 1700's and 1720's, Cristofori invented a…
A Door Opened or Closed?
Last Thursday, after 9+ years, I spent my last teaching day at Eastern Arizona College. I wish all the best to the new professor who will be taking on the…
Vintage PA: Presents Under The Piano
My favorite holiday note ever is written on a piece of binder paper in pencil and goes like this: Thank you for being my piano teacher. I hope to be…
I Just Like It
Why music and piano? The question has come up many times over the years, asked by relatives, teachers and mentors, and people in business who clearly thought I needed a…
Playing With Wolfgang: Unexpected Results
Victoria Bell is a former student of mine. She was active in all the piano related activities around our state and participated in countless masterclasses, competitions, recitals, and ensembles. I remember a…
Piano Maker’s Corner: Sharing in Family History
Pianos are incredible instruments. Not just in size. Or their elaborate internal mechanisms. Or the beautiful music that they are capable of creating. Pianos are incredible because they are capable…
Artist Portrait: Ayako Fujiki
Meet pianist Ayako Fujiki! Raised with a rigorous classical background, she found an affinity for Spanish music early on. As a specialist in Spanish music, she trained under Alicia de Larocha…
Vintage PA: Because Scales
I remember trying to learn scales hands together. Four in one hand then 3 in the other my teacher said. F is like C except there is a 4 on…
Occupational Octaves: Teaching With Heart
Hi everyone- It's Lee Stockner with a new post for you! In previous blogs I’ve broken down the how’s and why’s of the Special-Needs-User-Friendly language and the technical steps of…
Playing With Wolfgang: Do Or Do Not
I stomped in the house, blew past my Mom and slammed my bedroom door behind me. Actually it might have been the first time I had ever done such a…
Piano Maker’s Corner: Nuts, Pianos, & Voicing
For a regular piano manufacturer, the words “harvest time” would not mean a great deal. Phoenix Pianos, based on Hurstwood Farm in Kent, however, is no regular piano manufacturer. For…
Kick It Up: Fall Edition
Well, the school year has started with a bang! So, here are some great activities and resources to kick up your fall teaching. Enjoy! Music Hotel Game (Woods Piano Studio) This very…
Playing Hardball
Last week I was blindsided by a situation and forced to play hardball. I would never have chosen this battle but it was apparently my time to fight. After some…
PA Shorts: Do It Again…
The following funny struck a chord (voiced of course) with myself and many others when it went live last week. Most of us who are teachers have experienced both sides…