Musical Natterings

A Few Notes About Headphones

As we roll through year three of the pandemic, it can be easy to forget about one of the basic tools for a successful online lesson: the headphone. Good headphones can help both the student and the teacher hear each other better, prevent echoes and feedback, all while making it easier to focus. There a…

What is a Metronome and Do I need one?

A metronome is a device that provides a steady ticking sound along with a visual indicator of the tick. Metronomes work in Beats Per Minute, and can be set at particular speeds–usually between 40 and 208. There have been a number of scientists, musicians, and inventors who have worked on various devices over the years.…

Virtual Lesson Checklist

Nobody wants to spend precious lesson time hunting for a pencil or fiddling with settings when you could be playing beautiful pieces or impressing me with how fast you can play your scales. There are a few things you can do to make sure that you are well-prepared and will be able to get the…

Welcome and Happy Fall!

I’m looking forward to the new school year, learning new music, and starting new musical adventures with my piano students.  The 2020 – 2021 calendar and new studio policies are available. Keep an eye on the calendar! Each day more musical groups are releasing new virtual concert dates, and some of them look amazing. In a few days I…

Do I Really Have to Clip My Nails?

When learning to play the piano I often emphasize to students that pianists play with their whole bodies, not just their fingers. Is it really that important to keep fingernails trimmed? The short answer is yes. The long answer is that in order to achieve the best control of your fingers and sound, you need…