Star Wars Playlist
This playlist is dedicated to my Star Wars loving students. But... who doesn't love John Williams’ music? Enjoy fantastic arrangements of Star Wars themes on the piano in celebration of Star Wars Day, May 4th.
Another Reason to Study Music...
Check out this article by John Rampton, The Benefits of Playing Music Help Your Brain More Than Any Other Activity. This article discusses how learning an instrument strengthens the mind. Enjoy!
Dear Mozart:
Thank you for this quote! The teacher in me interprets this as such: count, count and count some more!
Music... A Universal Language
I love this quote! Music is a language... it really does speak to all.
New Playlist: Spring
Enjoy the sounds of Spring with this playlist inspired by the change of seasons.
Enjoy the following pieces:
1) To the Spring, Op.43 No. 6 by Grieg
2) Miroirs, M. 43 No. 5. La vallée des cloches by Ravel
3) Dance of the Fairies, Op. 12 No. 4 by Grieg
4) The Spring, Op. 109 No. 5 by Burgmüller
5) Prelude, Book 2 No 4, Les fées sont d'exquises danseuses by Debussy
6) Etude, Op. 45 No. 5, "Song of May" by Heller
7) Frühlingsrauschen, Op. 32, No. 3, "Rustle of Spring" by Sinding
8) To the Sky by Maassen
9) Prelude, Book 1 No. 2 " Voiles" by Debussy
10) Roman Sketches, Op. 7 No. 4 "Clouds" by Griffes
11) Nuvole Bianche by Einaudi
12-16) Metamorphosis 1-5 by Glass
What is your favorite piece from this playlist? Let me know in the comments below!
Compose Your Own Tune with this AI-Powered "Doodle" of JS Bach
This is amazing! Google created an AI-powered "Doodle" of JS Bach. The technology of this cartoon allows people to compose tunes in the style of Bach. Click on this link to give it a try. Have fun!
New Playlist: Rain
Here in Portland, Oregon… we get a lot of rain. Enjoy this playlist inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
Enjoy the following pieces:
Kiss the Rain by Yiruma
Garden in the Rain by Jane Leslie
Rain by Brian Crain
Prelude Op. 28 No. 15 ‘Raindrop” by Frederic Chopin
Etude Op. 45 No. 11 “Sleeting” by Stephen Heller
Estampes: No. 3 Jardins Sous La Pluie (Gardens in the Rain) by Claude Debussy
Rain Tree Sketch II by Toru Takemitsu
Etude Op. 45 No. 23 “Through Wind and Rain” by Stephen Heller
Rain Tree Sketch I by Toru Takemitsu
If You Love Animals...
This is amazing... take a few minutes to watch this incredible video.
Robert Schumann
From the composer who brought us Carnaval and Kreisleriana…he gave us wisdom with this quote. Thank you, Robert Schumann!
Absolutely...
Love this quote from Sarah Dessen. Music is THE universal language.
This is so true!
Music radiates from those who are dedicated to it. For me, I always knew I loved the piano… even before I started lessons. Somehow, it was a part of me from birth.
Love this quote from Ravel. Happy Valentine's Day!
This quote is very true... music is so powerful!
All about...
As Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I wanted to share a playlist that is all things LOVE. LOVE is a playlist dedicated to dark chocolate, candy hearts and sweet sentiments. Happy listening!
Enjoy the following pieces:
1. To a Wild Rose by MacDowell
2. Reverie by Debussy
3. Liebestraum No. 3 in A Flat Major by Liszt
4. A Love Story by Crain
5. Songs without Words, Op. 85 No.1 "Reverie" by Mendelssohn
6. Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1 in B Flat Minor by Chopin
7. Un Sospiro by Liszt
8. Nocturne Op. 72 No. 1 in E Minor by Chopin
9. Romeo & Juliet Op. 75: VI Montagues and Capulets by Prokofiev
10. Songs without Words Op. 85 No. 3 "Passion" by Mendelssohn
11. Romeo & Juliet Op. 75: X Romeo bids Juliet Farewell by Prokofiev
12. Poeme Op. 41 No. 4, arranged for Violin and Piano by Fibich
One of my favorite quotes... Beethoven said it right.
Winter Playlist
As I frequently receive requests for music… I thought I would put together a “Winter” themed piano playlist for everyone to enjoy. These pieces capture the essence of Winter by depicting snow, wind and ice through music. Included are works by some of my favorite composers: Debussy, Chopin and Liszt and also some new artists to explore. Happy listening!
Need something to read over the weekend?
Here is an excellent article by Jennifer Weiner for The New York Times. She discusses her journey coming back to the piano after a 35 year break: “I’ll Never Be Rachmaninoff”
For those who love LEGOs... check out this grand piano in the video below:
This image says it perfectly...
Ever Wonder How Your Mind Works When Playing the Piano?
Take a look at this fabulous diagram “This is Your Brain on Piano” to learn more. Thanks to the student family who shared this image!
