In part a memoir, 'Note for Note' is a Pilgrim's Progress for the amateur pianist, and in it Howard charts the pleasures and the pitfalls, the breakthroughs and "lightbulb moments"
Tag: piano lessons
Moving on – when it’s time to leave your piano teacher
They say that goodbye is one of the hardest things to say, and saying goodbye to your piano teacher can be a difficult decision, especially if you have been taking lessons with that teacher for some time.
There is no judgement, only permission
The world of the piano is huge and so much more is available to us if we allow it, even if we ‘know’ very little. All it takes is no judgement, and full permission to explore it.
The Three H’s of Practicing
On the most basic level, we practice to get better, to become proficient, to ensure we never play a wrong note. However, productive practising should never just be mindless “note bashing”. As pianist and renowned teacher Seymour Bernstein says in his excellent book ‘With Your Own Two Hands’, “productive practising puts you in touch with… Continue reading The Three H’s of Practicing
5 common misconceptions about pianists and piano lessons
Some of the world’s greatest pianists have small hands and stubby fingers. Instead of worrying about how your genetics have not provided you with your ideal fingers, start to work developing your technique and learn to accept your physical limitations.
What Are Piano Lessons For?
This is a very personal manifesto about the purpose of piano lessons. You may not agree. You may disagree vehemently. But what you (as a piano teacher or as a parent of a piano student or as a piano student) believe piano lessons are for will affect your level of satisfaction with the piano lessons… Continue reading What Are Piano Lessons For?
The Virtuoso Parent
This post is inspired by the excellent book The Virtuoso Teacher by music educationalist Paul Harris, which I have been reading on the recommendation of George Bevan, Director of Music at Monkton Coombe School, and author of an excellent blog on music teaching and practice. I will distill my general response to the book in… Continue reading The Virtuoso Parent
Myths about piano lessons
Thinking about taking piano lessons, but worried you won't cut the mustard as a piano student? This helpful and informative article by Howard Richman dispels plenty of myths about piano lessons and piano teachers, offers sensible advice about how to approach lessons, whether a child or an adult, a beginner or a restarter, and has… Continue reading Myths about piano lessons
Making the most of your piano lessons
Make sure you get the most out of each and every lesson by following these simple points: Arrive on time for your lessons: get the most out of the time you have each week. Come prepared for your lessons: make sure you bring all your music, tutor book and practice notebook. Your teacher may have… Continue reading Making the most of your piano lessons
A Piano Teacher Writes... 