April Showers: An Exercise in Playing by Ear
Playing by ear is a skill that can be learned. This could be likened to the skill of an artist who sketches what he… Read More »April Showers: An Exercise in Playing by Ear
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Succession by Fifths
Succession by Fifths: A Progression with Many Uses As we listen to music we discover that there are chord progressions that lead our ears… Read More »Succession by Fifths
Finding Different Chords for Do Re Mi
The purpose of this exercise is to plant a seed in fertile minds, a seed that could germinate and result in life-long learning. A command… Read More »Finding Different Chords for Do Re Mi
Canon in D Progression
Do you think Johann Pachelbel knew how popular his “Canon in D” would become? When I discovered the same chord progression in a few familiar… Read More »Canon in D Progression
The Value of Slow Practice and Counting Aloud
I’m sure that most all piano students have been told to practice a piece slowly at first. For me this seemed more like a chore… Read More »The Value of Slow Practice and Counting Aloud
Swapping Tunes
On numerous occasions I’ve wanted people to sing a text that is new to them. Rather than have them simultaneously deal with a new… Read More »Swapping Tunes
Pitch is Ear Desire
More than once my voice teacher said, “Pitch is ear desire.” If a piano is in tune, a pianist might need a little encouragement when… Read More »Pitch is Ear Desire
The Joy of Growing
Children enjoy having their height measured and delight in seeing their growth. As students and teachers returned to the classroom this fall, some faced a… Read More »The Joy of Growing
The Importance of Song
Martin Luther knew the potential power of song. On Thursday evenings he taught theology by singing hymns. A.W. Tozer gave new converts a hymn… Read More »The Importance of Song