“How tough should this be?” I often will hear people say “This shouldn’t be so hard” with regard to piano technique . . . so my question is always “How hard should it be? Who ever determined that!?” Instead of comparing ourselves to others, or an imaginary idea of how […]
Another video for y’all today. Topics in this video include: Persistence and patience even though bad habits keep coming back. Focusing on one new habit at a time. Remember why you play the piano (aka enjoying the process!) Hanging out on those plateaus where you feel like you’re not progressing. […]
In every task, the subconscious and conscious mind have specific roles to play, and a confusion of these roles can lead to less-than-optimal results. In ideal piano playing–where there is effortless flow– the simplest way I can state it is this: the subconscious mind sends information up, the conscious mind […]
Competition, as we are all told, is as old as music itself; found even in the myths of antiquity like that of the competition between Apollo and the satyr Marsyas. Like Pan, Marsyas lost this ancient duel, and was punished in a most brutal way. Luckily, the stakes are not […]
“What do I do when my child doesn’t want to practice? ” Piano teachers hear this question a lot. I think it implies a more fundamental question: What is the nature of a child’s wants and desires? The answer to this question can lead to two different parenting approaches: One […]
There are no quick worthwhile results. Extreme amounts of repetition are necessary. Poor execution causes more harm than good. A stupid approach means years of frustration and wasted time. Each session is best planned in advance. Showing off is detrimental to real progress. More time is spent worrying than doing. […]
I promised a post on mastery tonight, but I probably shouldn’t write it. Instead here is my best try at getting out of said promise. (Don’t worry I’m still writing one!) George Leonard’s master is someone almost serene; focused on the flow of ritual and practice. Tonight, this is not […]
I’m currently re-reading an excellent little book by George Leonard called Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment. I’ve read it several times now and have a few short posts coming up on it. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning any craft, skill,art — or […]
“You do feel emotion don’t you?” I once asked in exasperation. I couldn’t stand one more soulless note. Especially not in late Beethoven. “No.” She replied. This student did not last long. We are human — there are thoughts, feelings, and deeply felt life experiences. We carry this into art. […]