A while back, I was practicing the piano a lot without shoes on and gradually developed a foot injury. It felt like the pedal was pressing up into my foot and over time that area started to hurt, especially around the ball of my foot. After this injury, I started thinking about what type ofContinue reading “Piano Pedaling Shoes”
Author Archives: dawntm
Minimalist Music for Adult Piano Students
My piano library includes quite a bit of minimalist and contemporary music (with minimalist characteristics) for my beginning and early-intermediate adult piano students. I like the minimalist style of music because the piano music can be very accessible to the beginning adult piano student and it typically sounds modern and sophisticated despite its simplicity. MinimalismContinue reading “Minimalist Music for Adult Piano Students”
Why I Love Hanon
Talk to any pianist and they will have heard of Hanon and probably also have strong opinions either for or against the use of these 5 finger technical exercises. I’m a big fan of Hanon exercises. I use them myself and with my students, but I do use them in particular ways. Who was CharlesContinue reading “Why I Love Hanon”
The Secret Piano by Zhu Xiao-Mei
Book Review of “The Secret Piano” by Zhu Xiao-Mei.
How The Piano Works and Tone
An article on how the piano works and the impact on tone production at the piano for the beginning student.
National Music Teacher Conference 2023
An article on my favorite sessions at the 2023 National Music Teacher Conference in Reno, Nevada.
What is piano technique?
Some thoughts on the definition of piano technique and its uses.
Music and the Making of Modern Science by Peter Pesic
Book Review of Music and The Making of Modern Science by Peter Pesic.
Good Piano Posture
Having good piano posture and an ability to move freely at the keyboard without tension is fundamental to piano playing. The goal is to play without tension and in harmony with our body structure. “Have the body supple right to the tips of the toes” – Chopin Release Tension:* Stretch or shake your arms andContinue reading “Good Piano Posture”
My Favorite Chopin Pedagogy Book
Why the book “Chopin pianist and teacher as seen by his pupils” by Jean-Jacques Eigeldinger should be a part of your piano reference library.
Piano Lessons for Adults 