Who has all the time in the world?
Cheers, David Story
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![]() http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/economics/cameron/success.html A sampling... The "A" Student - An Outstanding Student
![]() Getting ready for a new year of practicing? Me too. · The key to musical happiness is regular practice and having clear easily articulated goals. As business and time management Guru Brian Tracy says, “Clarity is the key”. To which I’d add: plan your life around your practice schedule. · Write down your goals. Do they align with time available? Are the people you live with onside? · Motivation problems can often be assuaged with a concert trip to hear a world class musician perform. · Get the piano tuned. · Try a good cardio workout to inspire, think clearer, and focus well. · Have a written practice plan for each session. Books I’ve found helpful in the last year · “Time Power” by Brian Tracy, I read and reread this book at least twice a year. The ideas really work, if you implement them. · “The 4-Hour Chef: The Simple Path to Cooking like a Pro, Learning Anything, and Living the Good Life” by Timothy Ferris, an inspiring book on adult learning, hilarious too. · “International Piano” magazine, a monthly magazine from the UK on learning the piano. Books I plan to read shortly · “Practice Perfect” by Doug Lemov · “Famous Pianists and Their Technique” by Reginald R. Gerig All books available on-line from your favourite reseller. Cheers, David Story www.davidstory.ca ![]() Techniques for Effective Practice
Commonly Neglected Aspects by Students
My Top Four Practice Recommendations for Students
If I can help you learn to practice, call me. www.davidstory.ca Revised 2024 Practice makes perfect is we practice perfectly. But, perfect practice is a tricky business. The following article from Vic Firth outlines very effective practice tactics for drummers. I've added jazz piano addendums in brackets.
In a nutshell: a) Warm Ups (some sight reading) b) Rudiments – learning and application of (jazz chords, modes) c) Groove & Fills (working on your jazz licks through transcription) d) Learning a song (using a combination of lead sheet and recordings) http://www.vicfirth.com/exchange/2014/03/20/the-practice-of-practice/ Enjoy, David Story ![]() Why study in the summer?
David Story www.davidstory.ca ![]() Successful piano students have committed parents who help the children stick to their practice regime and defend music lessons when scheduling conflicts arise with others activities. “A parent has to think it’s important for a child to think it’s important,” said Green. “I had to pick between (Girl Scout age level) Brownies or piano.” From the Blog: For parents, basic notes when considering music lessons Revised November 2023 ![]() The Royal Conservatory of Music published a summary of studies on the benefits of music study in childhood development. I quote: "A WEALTH OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH over the last decade is proving that music education is a powerful tool for attaining children’s full intellectual, social, and creative potential. l It speeds the development of speech and reading skills l It trains children to focus their attention for sustained periods l It helps children gain a sense of empathy for others Music study requires a high degree of precision in auditory processing: being almost in tune is not good enough. This means that musically trained children are better able to distinguish subtle details of speech, leading to improved reading, better comprehension, and also a greater ability to interpret what other people – children and adults – are really saying. " Here is the link to the full text. I think it is worth the read. Your Child’s Development:Music Study may be the Best Tool David Story. ![]() This past month I've had the privilege adjudicating at 2 festivals in Ontario. Here are some tips for preparing your children for competition.
If I can help your child get ready for a music festival, call me. David ![]() Dorothy Delay asked parents of prospective students, "who is going to be your child's practice partner?" A teacher of prodigies, she knew a thing or two. With that in mind, I encourage parents to attend lessons and take notes. This communicates to your child the importance of this activity. And you will be able to help your child complete their assignments. Prepared students are happy students because they play well and are praised for their effort. Playing well and earning praise works in sports, and it in music lessons too. If I can help your child, please call me. David Story Revised November 2023 ![]() "Without a sound you have nothing?" Glen Hall What does this mean? Playing simply with good tone and beautiful phrasing is more important that playing fast, playing loud, or trying to play above your level. Artistry is possible for beginners who understand this. Cheers, David ![]() 1. Communicate with your teacher your goals and aspirations. 2. Do your homework, consider that the so called boring bits are the important bits. I know, I take drum lessons. The new teacher is trying to get me to play quarter notes properly with the good tone and arm motion. This is requiring hours of concentrated effort. But, the musicians I play with can hear the difference already. 3. Participate in recitals. Everyone needs positive, self esteem building events. 4. Explore music outside of lessons: Sight read, attend concerts, listen to music, buy a music magazine, watch Youtube videos, attend a summer camp. (I'm going to Louisville Kentucky and Oxford England this summer for music training in both drumming and classical music). 5. Read Time Power by Brian Tracy. The best book on time management I know. Amy Chua's books are an interesting read for both parents and mature music students. 6. Remember musicians live to practice, performance is just the icing on the cake. Cheers, David Story Piano Teacher and drumming enthusiast. On Sunday January 18 we had a lovely student recital at Port Nelson United Church. The kids played well, the piano was in tune, and the concert lasted just the right amount of time. A success.
Our next concert will be the annual duet concert. A heap of family fun. Parents and kids performing together! I was reflecting on the joy that was on display. The students who played wanted to play; they were a happy group of keeners. A good part of their success is a result of their preparations. They had practiced, they were ready, and they knew it. I was told, "piano is fun if you practice, drudgery if you don't?' So protect your practice time, it is the source of your musical joy. Cheers, David ![]() I can’t motivate anyone. But I can inspire! Motivation is the idea I can make someone like something they don’t. I can’t. Inspiration on the other hand is the heart of education. An inspired learner is the joy of our profession. Stay inspired!
As a drum student I watch YouTube video lessons each day. I read books and magazines on drumming. I play with others who play at my level, I practice, I take lessons, I have goals. You get the picture. Cheers, David ![]() Setting realistic goals for music study? Great idea. Not thought about it? Why not? One of the best reasons is that it gives you a track to run on. One of the best warnings on goal setting? "You can't ride more than one horse at a time" Here are a few additional thoughts. For Parents
Here is a personal example. I study jazz drumming. I'm planning on attending a jazz camp for adults next summer. When I arrive there I will have to audition for placement. I want to place as high as possible. :-) so,
For yourself Goal: Recreational player Strategy: Two hours of playing and practice a week Tactics: Ditch the TV and web surfing by 2 hours. Tell your kids to go outside and play. Give a list of pieces to your teacher you would like to learn. Cheers. David
David ![]() It depends on how good you want to be is the short answer. A thoughtful answer takes a little longer.
Realistic Goals: Are your goals in tune with the rest of your life? What would you give up to reach them? Piano takes time, lots of it. For example to complete my ARCT in 2007, I started Grade 10 in 2003. Five thousand hours later I graduated! (This 5,000 hours included my theory studies as well as my piano lessons.) I gave up the music business to do this. If you goals are more modest, aim for 2 hours a week of practice to start. Without practice, piano is no fun! The caveat is this. If you are a recreational piano student with the goals of learning some tunes and having some fun, skipping practice is no big deal. We can do it together at lessons, I will supervise. Whatever the depth of your ambition, I suggest strongly that you schedule piano practice into your schedule. On the subject of practice, another blog post for that. Cheers, David Story ![]() Weekly lessons are a motivation to practice and stay sharp. With that in mind, l I've resumed my piano coaching sessions with Leon Karan. We are doing splendid work together. My progress is slow and steady. Too slow. Leon suggested gently that I practice more this week than last. Ouch! Message received. I will be on the piano early tomorrow for 90 minutes. I've booked practice times on Thursday and Friday too. Cheers, David ![]() There are many ways to think about our musical development. I've produced the following: Level one, student: At level one the student learns to control their hands. i.e. the hands do what they are told. I'm told this takes about 10,000 hours. I believe it. This level is about technique, repertoire, ear training, theory studies, concert going, and practice, practice, practice. It is about following the teachers' directions, and maintaining and nourishing your personal curiosity, patience, and faith in the process. Level two, professional: At level two you have professional hands that do what they are told. At this level you practice maintaining and refining your skills. Level three, artist: At level three you have something interesting to say and the ability to communicate it. Artists blend this elevated level of creativity and skill into dazzling musical displays. How do you become an artist? I don't know. However, I do know you must go through the first two steps to reach level three. Too many folks try to skip all or part of the first two steps in their haste to be "artists." This is misguided, naïve, and foolish. Conclusion? Get off the internet and go back to the practice room! Cheers, David Story January 2023 update ![]() Gary Burton, jazz musician extraordinaire and master teacher, is giving a free course online through Coursera. I've taken it. Gary's first point: Improvisation is a language with a vocabulary of sound. This consists of chords, scales, and licks. It requires an ability to hear these internally and then assemble them in real time. And finally, there is your ability to develop a story, with sound, on the fly. Gary's second point: Sounding like a jazz musician through memorizing licks is like memorizing French phrases and heading to Paris. You may sound French; however, things quickly break down when you are spoken to. David Story 2023 update. It was an interesting course; however, it requires a high degree of keyboard skill to get the most from it. Below are some exercises for beginners who have intermediate skills which involve broken chords, a bebop lick, and a chromatic approach. It was inspired by a Chase Sanborn story, who discovered his jazz solos improved when he left notes out. Creating Jazz Solo Lines![]() A tale of two adult students Part one:
Part two:
Cheers, David Story ![]() Sonny's Thumbs As a teenager I had the privilege of having a piano lesson with Sonny Stitt. My teacher, Bernie Senesky, introduced him to me in a Toronto jazz bar. Upon learning I was a piano student he excitedly invited me up to the piano where he began to demonstrate how his friend Bub Powell played bebop chord voicings. Here is what he showed me: Your right-hand plays the melody or solos while your left-hand comps the Be-bop shells of Root/seventh, or Root/third. Given the typical manner of jazz chord progressions, the left hand will often alternate between the two forms. For a complete PDF file of the left hand chords, click on this sentence. Dean Earl The second great lesson came from my beloved Berklee piano teacher Dean Earl. He told me to play Charlie Parker solos simultaneously in both hands two octaves apart. This was an exercise to keep my left hand sharp. Years later it also gave me competency to solo in the left hand. You can see Bud Powell play Anthropology this way. During the solo Powell comps lightly in the left-hand using Sonny's thumbs. Below are links to videos connected to this lesson. Cheers, David Revised May 2024 Glossary:
![]() Awesome advice. Click on the image or here for the full article. Cheers David I ponder the similarities between this advice and the advice parents receive from athletic coaches. May 2023 |
You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail. AuthorI'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also a devoted percussionist and drum teacher. Categories
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