What memories shine from childhood piano lessons? Graduating to a higher level? A smile from a gracious teacher on a day your heart felt rainy? Or, how about an ensemble piece that includes a drum part? Such occasions can affirm for the student—”music is for me!” Today we offer an ensemble performance of “Come See the […]
Making O’s not only develops the fingertip at early levels, it can be used at advanced levels to align the arm and knuckle with the finger that plays. Join Dr. Faber for some interesting pointers.
Two things you might not normally think of together: autumn and… blooming flowers. But they pair very well when you’re thinking of new piano students. If you have students starting in our Piano Adventures Primer Level, you probably already know where this is going! “Round Hand Shape” is our Technique Secret No. 2, and “blooming flowers” […]
Best wishes to teachers, students, and parents as a new “back to school” season begins! This year our posts will be organized around a monthly theme. For September, the theme is Primer Level teaching. Every young piano student remembers the first lesson. It is such a privilege to introduce the magnificence of the piano—and some […]
Students acting like sloths this summer? Luckily, we have just the thing: Havana by Camila Cabello, a Latin-inspired pop hit that fits nicely with students working their way through major and minor pentascales. It’s fully in the key of D minor, and grooves through a basic i – V7 progression. The harmonies are nothing extraordinary, […]
This month we are happy to share our newest publications, FunTime® Piano Disney and BigTime® Piano Disney. This exciting series is now complete with six graded levels. FunTime Piano Disney features current and classic Disney hits arranged for the Level 3A-3B pianist. Students will explore swing rhythm, play showy cross-hand arpeggios, shape the phrases of […]
If you’ve taught many adult piano students, you’ve probably made many friends. We don’t teach to make friends and, indeed, the relationship begins as a business transaction. Yet, time and again, personal relationships develop—often with more significance than our client’s developing musical skill! These friendships surprise both teacher and student. They also benefit both teacher […]
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Randall Faber, co-author of the best-selling Piano Adventures teaching method, has received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in Education from the Roland Corporation. The award was presented on January 24th at the 2019 Roland International Press Conference during The NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Brian Alli, Roland Corporation […]
Time to head off to the North Pole to check on the toy-packing and gift-wrapping. Some young people write letters with lists, and some might even try sending emails. But we’re going to hitch a ride for a little in-person inspection. And for that we need our thumbs! The thumb is such a useful, important […]
As we “march” in time toward the Winter Solstice, we pause to send musical greetings to friends and colleagues around the world. At the end of this excerpt from the Nutcracker Suite, you’re invited to make your own “magical music boxes” with our downloadable template.
