A Safe Place to be Uncomfortable
It’s easy to confuse feeling uncomfortable with being unsafe. Both can make us want to step back, avoid a situation, or return to something familiar. But they aren’t [...]
Are You a Waffle Person, or a Pancake Person?
When I was in my early 30s, I was studying with a wonderful voice teacher in Milwaukee. During one of my lessons I was really struggling to release [...]
What Does “Musicianship” Actually Mean?
When you hear the word musicianship, you might think of music theory, reading music, or having a strong technical command of an instrument. Those are all parts of [...]
More Than A Music Lesson
When most of us think about learning music, we think about lessons. We think about the work of getting better. And yes—practice matters. But after working with adult music [...]
Rethinking Progress
One of the most common things I hear from adult students is, "I should be better at this." Maybe you've said it yourself. It's usually spoken after a [...]
The Recital Survival Guide: From Nerves to Notes
It’s that time again! The programs are being printed, the chairs are being lined up, and you’ve spent weeks—maybe months—perfecting that one tricky bridge or mastering that final [...]
How Music Lessons Support Mental Health for Teens
Mental health challenges among adolescents — including anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem — have been rising worldwide. For parents, educators, and teens themselves, this can feel overwhelming. [...]
Best Piano Pieces to Learn in 2026
Our Piano Teachers’ Top Picks for Every Level Choosing the right piano repertoire can make the difference between steady progress and student burnout. As we head into 2026, [...]
Yes, It Is Hard. And It Should Be.
I’ll be climbing onto my soapbox in this post, so please bear with me. I’ve noticed a mounting aversion in our culture to anything that feels hard. There. [...]
How Musicians Turn Fitness Principles into Better Practice (Part 2)
We’re back for the final four fitness training principles, and how they can be understood through the lens of musical training! If you need a refresher regarding the [...]
