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 [...]
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, [...]
