Tag: Chicago piano instruction

  • Complexity

    Teaching something to someone is not easy. It’s all about communication. If the rapport between the student and the teacher is good, the chances of the student learning rises significantly. But then, there are the concepts. By that, I mean the different topics that need to be addressed in order to get to the next…

  • Taking the time

    When I teach a young pupil it’s always a great experience. Their energy, their enthusiasm is contagious. They don’t have any barriers, so, when they’re happy, they show it. On most lessons, they come with a big smile and eager to transform noise into music. But, every now an then, they arrive with drooping shoulders…

  • Catering to the discovery

    Do you remember the first time you got up and took a step. I’m talking about the very first time in your life you ever did that, you were a baby back then. I doubt most people have any memories of it. But I remember something similar. I remember my first born, Emmi, when she…

  • The motorcycle

    Being self employed in the music business is not easy. I find that the most difficult part of it is not falling into the pit of self-doubt. What I mean by that is that when one start to make money and survive while being a musician, one has a hard time believing it. And so,…

  • In your mind

    I have had since the beginning of my teaching a few students who do not practice and yet, they always are prepared for their weekly lesson. The first time I encounter such a person I asked them how they did it. Most of them replied that they would be drumming in their car. They would…

  • Seasonal changes

    As August progresses, we slowly go back to work mode. The days are still warm and the minds are still turned towards BBQ and swimming pools, but many of us are starting to feel a nag in our thoughts. The little voice inside our head is becoming more insistent: – This ice cream is great,…

  • Stick furniture is long overdue.

    As I keep on enjoying the warmth of the summer days, I work to improve my studio. You see, up until now, my efforts in woodwork has only produce stuff either for the rest of the house, or for my friends. Trying to custom fit my creations into my work environment is a new concept.…

  • Don’t learn the shuffle!

    If one turns on the radio these days, we hear straight eighth notes music. For the ones who are not familiar with the term “Straight eighth notes”, it means rock. You turn on the radio and you are going to hear some kind of a version of a rock beat, whether it’s country, heavy metal,…

  • The violence in the drums

    Some of my young students are full of energy. Their parents thought that drums would be a great way to release the extra spark they have and so they come to my studio just for that. And I agree. I think that all too often, those active children get placed in a violent set up:…

  • Good old Yelp

    I have an account on  Yelp. I’ve had it for a long time now. Maybe 10 years. My relationship with this website has not been easy. They hide a lot of the reviews. Only 3 are showing, my average is 3.5. 49 of mine are not showing, 49 reviews with 5 stars. These reviews are…