Music by Susan

01/01/2025

Senior Adult lessons are available.

01/01/2025

01/01/2025

Enjoy 2025

11/01/2024

Saturday night

11/01/2024

Happy Thanksgiving

09/15/2024

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Exploring the Parts of the Piano/Keyboard!

The White Keys:

- Called the naturals
- Consist of 7 notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G)
- Repeat in a pattern across the keyboard

The Black Keys:

- Called the sharps and flats
- Consist of 5 groups of 2 and 3 keys
- Used to play sharps, flats, and chromatic notes

The Pedals:

- Sustain pedal (right): sustains notes
- Sostenuto pedal (middle): sustains selected notes
- Soft pedal (left): reduces volume

The Keyboard Layout:

- Groups of 2 and 3 black keys help you navigate
- Find Middle C (C4) to start learning notes

Key Signatures:

- Sharps ( #) raise pitch
- Flats (b) lower pitch

Hand Positions:

- Keep hands curved and relaxed
- Fingers gently rest on keys

Proper height stool to sit on.
Now that you know the parts, let's play!

Homework:

- Explore the keyboard and find different notes
- Practice playing with proper hand position

09/15/2024

Muzio Clementi

Muzio Clementi is a true pioneer of piano music whose journey strengthens our resolve as learners. Born in Rome in 1752, Clementi faced numerous obstacles, just like many of us. His story reflects the perseverance that is so vital on our musical journeys.

Imagine being just fourteen years old and traveling to a foreign land, leaving everything familiar behind to pursue your passion for music. Clementi spent seven years in England, practicing tirelessly in isolation. Can you picture yourself pouring hours into practice, maybe feeling like those efforts go unnoticed at times? Yet, those challenging moments are ultimately what lay the groundwork for success! How have you handled such moments in your own practice?

Clementi's determination eventually led to him competing in a famous piano duel with Mozart, marking his place in history and serving as a reminder that every ounce of effort counts.
Just like him, you too can carve your own musical path. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed - take a deep breath, cherish each small victory, and trust that progress comes step by step.

Remember, every note you play tells a story, and together we are crafting something beautiful.

Keep playing, keep dreaming, and above all, believe in yourself !
Did you know that beyond composing, Clementi was an esteemed music publisher and designed pianos? His drive went beyond just creating music; he wanted to shape the entire musical realm.

09/13/2024

This is inspirational story that beautifully resonates with our struggles and triumphs as piano learners. It revolves around one of the most renowned composers in classical music history,

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Imagine a young Tchaikovsky, pressured to abandon his passion for music to pursue a more traditional career in law. He faced waves of doubt from those around him and wrestled with the nagging feeling that he wasn't worthy of his dreams. Can you picture the heartbreak of dismissing the music that flows in your soul? It's a painful choice many of us can relate to, especially when faced with societal expectations.

Even after choosing to follow his heart, Tchaikovsky was not immune to criticism and the stinging lash of self-doubt. His initial works received lukewarm reactions, much like the frustration we feel during our first few piano lessons when nothing seems to click. Doesn't that resonate with all the effort you're pouring into learning the piano?

However, the beauty of Tchaikovsky's story is that he persevered. With support from an unexpected ally, Nadezhda von Meck, a patron who believed in him without ever meeting him, he found the encouragement to continue despite the odds. Their friendship, rich with over 1,200 letters, is a powerful reminder of how essential support and community can be in achieving our dreams.

His breakthrough moment arrived with the creation of his now-celebrated Piano Concerto No. 1, which faced initial criticism but ultimately became a monumental success. Just think about how pivotal that moment was for him - do you ever wonder what your own breakthrough piece will be? That moment of recognition can pivot your entire journey, and it's so important to remember that every great masterpiece started as a simple note!
Each stumble is simply a note in the symphony of your progress, adding depth to your unique musical journey. Embrace every moment, both the highs and the lows, as they are integral to your growth.

Remember, each note you play tells a story - and yours is slowly unfolding. Embrace the journey, trust in your process, and know that you hold the power to create your own beautiful symphony. Keep dreaming and playing, because your journey is just beginning, and it is magic.
On a lighter note, Tchaikovsky was known for some quirky superstitions - like fearing that his head might fall off while conducting! Even our musical heroes had their oddities; isn't that slightly comforting?

Have you ever tried to put a complex jigsaw puzzle together without seeing the picture on the box? That's precisely what your lessons provide - a clear picture that simplifies the process, enriching your experience.
Let each lesson you take add another note to your story.

Musicians are not born - they are made...

09/05/2024

Pray over your children and grandchildren.

09/05/2024

Prayers for all of Chris Eddy's family and work family.

08/27/2024

https://musiceducationworks.wordpress.com/2016/06/19/a-childs-brain-develops-faster-with-exposure-to-music/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE6sukBHSt7M3wnRDt7bBnJmWHCpYqJqYYTjFj4PQPCIppA4e-Va6ON9RT6Qlbpkw

A study by researchers at the University of Southern California shows that exposure to music and music instruction accelerates the brain development of young children.

08/23/2024

Bach wrote "church" music but Did you know?
Johann Sebastian Bach lost his little daughter and then three sons and then his wife. Then he remarried and then he and his second wife, Anna-Magdalena, lost four more daughters and three sons. Eleven beloved children...

Many researchers have wondered: how Bach managed to handle these losses? How did he not stop breathing, how did his heart not stop? And most importantly, how could he continue to write music? Kantati, cello suites, masses, concerts... The most beautiful music the world has heard. Do you know how he did it?

At the end of the his music, he always wrote "Soli Deo gloria" (Glory to God alone) and in the beginning, "Lord help.” Therefore, you can pray during Bach's music because the music itself is prayer. You could, then, consider Bach's music a conversation between man and God. How do you deal with pain? Worship is the best solace.

08/21/2024

Think you're too old to start learning piano? Think again! Research has shown that learning to play an instrument boosts your brainpower and dexterity.

I understand the roadblocks you might be facing—the fear of not progressing, the worry that you might give up, or the notion that piano lessons are too complex at this stage in life. But, NO worries. We can get through anything... give it a try. Send me an email @ [email protected]