Helping Students Learn a New Piece

Are you working with a student who struggles with keeping rhythm? Or maybe you are helping a student learn a new piece. I have found the following strategy to be beneficial.

Have the student play one part - either the right hand or left - while you play the other part. Then switch who plays what part.

This helps the student with a couple of things:

• he gets to hear the piece - or the section - in its entirety twice
• he is forced to focus on timing, but has to only concentrate on one hand at a time
• he gains experience in playing with another musician

Book Recommendation - The Piano Shop on the Left Bank

I recently finished reading The Piano Shop on the Left Bank by Thad Carhart. If you’ve ever played piano or have owned a piano, this book will resonate with you. Carhart depicts his rediscovery of the piano with exquisite descriptions. As he tells his story, he pulls the reader in with luring sense of mystery. His illustrations evoke an air of Parisian Old World flair, and his journey encompasses a rich patina - just like the pianos his story embraces.

Music Theory Book Recommendation

Are you looking for a clear and easy-to-follow book on music theory? Check out A Creative Approach to Music Fundamentals by William Duckworth. Loaded with various types of practical exercises, this book not only introduces the student to music theory but also allows him to try a very "hands-on" approach to music.

Composition Worksheets

Do you have some students that always want to show you what they've come up with on the piano? Help to fuel their enthusiasm with some composition worksheets. Right now I have 4 different ones that can be accessed through this link. These worksheets are also great to use as a creative way to discuss various aspects of music theory.