Today was my maiden journey to the paradise of Roses in Berkeley. No words can amply describe the effect such beauty had upon me. (Taking pictures was irresistible) Burgmuller’s “Tender Flower” was the perfect musical framing. P.S. ...
I met 80-plus, sparkling Sonia recently at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Berkeley, and discovered that her son, Renato, graduated Oberlin, small world. It wasn’t long before my new-found friend invited me to join her as a choir concert ...
Yesterday, I decided to record Nemer’s “Jerusalem of Gold” to prepare for a luncheon appearance at an East Bay Jewish Community Center. Little did I know that after reviewing my you tube upload, that I’d spot a right column of ...
I’m lucky that for decades I’ve been a stationary piano teacher, home-based for Skype, but having two youngsters whom I teach at their home up in the El Cerrito Hills. Fortunately, I get chauffeured to and from the location so I ...
Over the years, Gillock’s music has sparked the enthusiasm of piano students who sometimes need a kick start piece to lift them out of a rut. “Flamenco” can be such a game changer! For Fritz, age 9, who’s infatuated with ...
This was the hallmark topic at a Linked-in piano forum board, with many piano teachers chiming in with great suggestions. For me, singing beside a student or nudging him/her to join in is always helpful. I focus on shaping phrases in this way while ...
It was my birthday a few days ago, and I was blessed with the gift of flowers and a plant from two close friends. These sit side-by-side on top of my upright piano: Little did I know that “Roy” who delivered the tulips to my doorstep had ...
It was my birthday a few days ago, and I was blessed with the gift of flowers and a plant from two close friends. These sit side-by-side atop my upright piano: Little did I know that “Roy” who delivered the tulips to my doorstep had ...
Most piano students know first hand about Burgmuller and his Progressive character pieces in the Romantic genre. They are a bundle of delights with picturesque titles that match the music. But few might realize that Bela Bartok’s collection of ...
Here’s a photo-imported version of “I Got Rhythm!” (Click HD) On the artist’s CD menu are the following treats: 1. Gershwin Improvisations for Solo Piano: Clap Yo’ Hands 2. Someone to Watch Over Me 3. Sweet and Lowdown ...