How Musicians Turn Fitness Principles into Better Practice (Part 1)
If you read this blog regularly, you’ll know I love a good sports analogy. And truly, it’s because the demands of a professional musician are every bit as [...]
Stage Fright and Performing
Sweaty hands. Racing heartbeat. Shortness of breath. Shaking knees. Ah, the telltale signs of stage fright. We all know them, because we’ve all experienced them. Whether it’s a [...]
Concert Etiquette and Why It Matters
Classical music has a reputation for being “stuffy” or “elitist.” This isn’t surprising, given that the performing arts developed out of privilege, wealth and status. As such, the [...]
The Value of Learning Music Theory
I don’t have a particular memory of learning music theory. I know I had workbooks in which I completed assignments pertaining to writing and recognizing various pitches, rhythms, [...]
The Power of Intention
A New Year is upon us. Now is the time we usually start reflecting upon the past 12 months, and begin dreaming about the future. What new goals [...]
Reality Bites: Why a Single Lesson Is Almost Never Enough
“I never knew there was so much involved in learning to sing!” I’ve heard that phrase a lot over the past 16 years of teaching. Many people assume [...]
How Long Will It Take? (An Explanation of Process Oriented Learning)
I was recently asked by a student, “If I practice 20 minutes a day, four days a week, how long will it take me to be a good [...]
15 Habits of Excellent Teachers (And 12 to Watch Out For)
As a music student, one of the most important tasks you must undertake is finding a teacher. Whether you are an aspiring music major, an enthusiastic amateur or [...]
Classical Crossover: what it is and why it matters
I’ve been going down the YouTube rabbit hole a lot lately. When I was a student, there really wasn’t a centralized resource for musical video material. If you [...]
Piano Lessons: They’re not just for kids!
I love teaching beginners. Not everyone can say that, but I genuinely love it. When I write the word “beginner,” I am aware that most people will look [...]
