David Story Online Toronto Piano Teacher
*
  • Homepage
  • Safe lessons for adults in the age of Covid-19
  • Safe lessons for children in the age of Covid-19
  • Contact form, fees, calendar, policies
  • My teaching philosophy
  • Testimonials
  • Tips, Ideas, Stories, Free Lessons
  • About me
  • Student awards and compositions
  • Recommended resources and Free Music
  • Classical downloads
  • Jazz downloads
  • Jazz outline for beginners
  • Classical outline for beginners
  • Blog: The aging musician
  • Video Library of Piano Techniques
  • Drum Lessons

How To Play Beautifully continued...

1/14/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Some ideas. 
  1. Knowing what beautiful sounds like is an important step to being able to beautifully play oneself. 
  2. Associating with people who can guide on this journey of discovery is important.

One of my students is working at the early advanced stage of Classical piano. This week Chopin Waltz in b minor and Gnossienne #6 by Satie. Sophisticated music. 

She is a retired executive whose career spanned the globe. She is an avid concert goer. As in, more than a concert a week. 

At the end of class I complemented her on her playing and knowledge of the music, it's context, and style. She was slightly taken back. She quickly explained that she has friends who are so much more sophisticated and nuanced in their appreciation of classical music. (One wrote liner notes for a major classical music label, one was a critic if I recall correctly as well.) 

I pointed out to her that she has learned more than she knew through those friendships. She recalled the after concert socializing where great debates on the merits of the performance. 

Furthermore, decades of concert going at the great halls of the world leaves a mark. A significant mark. 

Cheers, 

​David

0 Comments

Will I ever get there?

1/4/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Will I ever get there?

Maybe.

An adult student is working on the scherzo of Haydn’s piano sonata in F major Hob.XVI:9 A fun work from RCM level 4. It goes fast, it’s light, it’s fun under the fingers. It reminds me of joyful summer memories as a kid riding our bikes as fast as we can go, just celebrating the joy of movement and being alive.

How does one play like that?
Can I ever go as fast?

Another story. I’ve a young teenage student preparing to sit for her level 8 exam later this month. One of her pieces is Solfeggio in C minor by CPE Bach an extremely fast and demanding piece of music. She runs like the wind through it. The power of youth. Can my 61-year fingers play that fast? Nope. Period. It’s as absurd as looking on while high schoolers compete in the 100-yard dash. Yeah, I can still run fast, but not like that.

Moral of the story. Be at peace with it.

​Now can we learn to play faster. Of course. Can we ever go as fast? Maybe, maybe not.
​
Now back to Haydn. Pianists who play well, including fast, have worked patiently in the following areas.
  1. Repertoire is developed in a thoughtful and methodical manner over many years.
  2. They learn theory to understand the music they are playing: patterns and relationships. 
  3. They have developed their aural skills to fine degree. Ultimately all playing is playing by ear.
  4. They learn something about the history of the music they play Classical, Jazz, Blues, Folk, or Americana. Whatever it is, it has a tradition, a history, a story to tell. They are wanting a piece this story in their lives. They enthusiastically seek out experiences to get it.
  5. They carefully learn to sight read well.
  6. They cheerfully deal with their etudes and exercises.
  7. They take their growing knowledge, experiences, and skills to understand the nuances of great performances.
  8. They can answer the question, “who are your favourite pianists?” And tell you why? The sophistication of their answers will evolve as they develop as musicians. 
  9. They are emotionally committed to the project of learning the piano. And have the maturity to understand it is a journey of learning.
  10. They love the music.
  11. They have studied how to practice the piano through different sources of reliable information. They avoid the pitfalls of seeking a work around, a hack, or quick fix. And the huskers selling shortcuts to expertise. 
  12. They make the time to practice.

If I can help you on your journey, please give me a call.
​
David
0 Comments

Adult Piano Enthusiasts: restarting after 40 years

12/1/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Restarting piano after a 4-decade hiatus? How to get started.

The hands will be slow. But they will improve. Patience is the key here. An analogy: You were at 18-year-old track star back in the day. You buy a pair of expensive running shoes, the kind that promise speed, endurance, and youth. First day out, you run 10K. It is glorious, next day you can’t move. Shoes go in the closet; you are back in front of Netflix. Oops, you’ve made a tactical mistake. Try this instead.
  1. Tune the piano.
  2. Find a sympathetic coach/teacher.
  3. Buy an anthology of classical piano music, the kind that covers a range of performance levels.
  4. If you haven’t already, start listening again to classical music.
  5. Take a course on Classical music appreciation. There are lots of online opportunities: YouTube, Great Courses, Community College etc.
  6. Play a few scales, sight read a simple piece. Avoid a Chopin ballade if the fingers have been resting for 40 years.
  7. Fifteen minutes, maybe 20 1st day and each day for a week.
  8. Each week at 10% to the duration of practice.
  9. Investigate the Pianist magazine, a wonderfully affirming resource for adult piano enthusiasts.
  10. Dust of a theory book and review.

Have fun, if I can help, call me.
​
David

0 Comments

What did my piano students study last week

11/29/2020

0 Comments

 
  1. Polonaise in G minor, Bach
  2. Sonatina in C, Clementi
  3. Russian Folk Song
  4. In the Spirit, Norton
  5. Chinese Kites
  6. Allegretto, Schubert
  7. 2nd Movement Sonata #1, Beethoven
  8. Fugue in Bb, WTC1, Bach
  9. Say so, Dojo Cat
  10. Sonatina in G, Clementi
  11. Autumn Leaves, Jazz Standard
  12. Take the A train, Duke Ellington
  13. Bye Bye Blackbird, Jazz Standard
  14. C Jam Blues, Dave McKenna
  15. Come See the Parade, Piano Adventures
  16. Do You Want to Build a Snowman?, Frozen
  17. Starfish At Night, Crosby
  18. A Little Joke, Kabalevsky
  19. Sneaky Sam, Bober
  20. Czerny Opus 821
  21. Various Christmas Carols
  22. Tir-tone substitutions in Jazz Harmony in "Can't Help Lovin' That Man
  23. I Need Your Love, Calvin Harris
  24. 1000 Years, Perri
  25. Pirates of the North Sea, Piano Adventures
  26. The Queen's Royal Entrance, Piano Adventures
  27. Blues Train, "I used to play the piano" book
  28. Scottish Folks Song Arranging 
  29. Chopin opus 69 no. 2
  30. Shout for Joy, Albert Ammons
  31. Prelude in Bb, WTC 1, Bach
  32. Sonata in G, 3rd movement, Haydn
  33. All want for Christmas is you, Carey
  34. ​Sonatina in G, Beethoven, 2 movements
  35. Etude by Kabalevsky
  36. The Rising Sun, Telfer
  37. Turkish Bazaar, Mrozinski
  38. Dundas Blues, Story
  39. Grade 9 Music History
  40. Grade 9 Harmony
  41. Bourree in F, Telemann
  42. Elements of creating a Jazz Solo
  43. Fur Elise, Beethoven
  44. Christmas time is here, Peanuts
  45. Skye Boat Song, Scottish Folk Song
  46. Mussette, Bach
  47. ​Hanon
  48. More Dojo Cat
  49. Fly Me To The Moon, Sinatra
  50. Sonatina in C, 2nd Mov't, Clementi
  51. Satin Doll, Strayhorn
  52. Aria In G, Telemann
  53. Solfeggio in D, Bach
  54. Happy Time Jazz, Mier
  55. Somewhere New, Dow
  56. Like A House On Fire, Dow
  57. Largo, Doviak
  58. Into The Unknown, Frozen
  59. More Christmas Carols and Songs
  60. Sleeping Beauty Waltz, Tchaikovsky
  61. Cathryn goes to Hollywood Duet, Story
  62. Invention in C, Bach
  63. Chopsticks duet
  64. Rigadoon in A Minor, Babell
  65. Rondo in C, Hummel
  66. Solfeggio in C minor, Bach
  67. Brother John, Folk Song
  68. Got Those Blues, Alfred Publishing
  69. Mazurka in A minor, Chopin
  70. It's A Small World, Disney
  71. Step in Time, Disney
  72. Sonatina in G, Clementi
  73. Masquerade Niamath
  74. Making Love Out Of Nothing At All, Air Supply
  75. When The Saints, NOLA classic
  76. I Fee Good, James Brown
  77. Sonatina in C, 1st mov't, Clementi
  78. Never will I marry, Jazz Standard
  79. Waltz In C#minor, Chopin
  80. Merry we roll along, Folk Song
  81. Let's Waltz, Pearce
  82. Haunted mouse,Faber and Faber
  83. Owl in the night, Rollin
  84. Row Row Row Your Boat
  85. Waltzing Elephants , Bastien
  86. Thunderstorm page Rahbee
  87.  
    David 
     

0 Comments

Frances Clark Center Workshop "Facilitating Adult Learning" 2020

9/25/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
That was a good use of my time. My students have noticed changes for the better. 

​David
0 Comments

Thinking of starting back up?

1/31/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
I teach many adults who are picking it back up later in life. Realising their dream to play Classical, Jazz, Blues, or Boogie Woogie with style and panache. Not to forget the few who want to play in a band.

Why do they restart? Beauty.

Regardless of why they quit, everyone returns filled with high hopes and noble intentions. I welcome them all to the studio where lessons are giving guilt free. And, enthusiasms are supported and encouraged.
​
Here is some of the titles they are currently working on.
​
  1. Nocturne No. 5 in B flat John Field
  2. I Feel Good James Brown
  3. Waltz in A Opus 52a number 7  Brahms
  4. Sonata in G Major, Hob. XVI:8 l 1st movement Haydn
  5. Night train Oscar Peterson
  6. Sonatina in F Major (no. 2) u 1st movement Beethoven
  7. On The Road Again Willy Nelson
  8. Georgia On My Mind Ray Charles
  9. Skizzen, op. 77 u On the Lake (Auf dem See) (no. 12) Hofmann, Heinrich
  10. Lots of Boogie Woogie
You get the idea. Maybe I can help you rekindle your enthusiasm to play beautiful music again. Call today for a free interview.

Cheers,

​David


Picture
0 Comments

Restarting the piano in middle age

1/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Giving up the piano is one of life's great regrets. Resuming lessons after decades is not. It is an interesting journey of rediscovering, joy, and humility.

I invite you to watch this recent video and browse the book. Alan Rusgridger learns Chopin Ballade no. 1 at age 57, 41 years after giving up the piano. 

He managed to fit in practice while working as the editor of the Guardian newspaper. WOW!

As a drum student myself, it is always heartwarming to meet a fellow traveler  For more info on my own journey in mid-life learning see my blog. Just click on this paragraph.

Cheers,

David

0 Comments

    Author

    I'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also a devoted student and teacher of the drums. 

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012

    Categories

    All
    Adult Piano Lessons
    Buying A Piano
    Children's Piano Lessons
    Classical Piano
    Goal Setting
    Hobby Overload
    Jazz Chops
    Jazz Piano
    Learning Classical Piano
    Learning Piano
    Learning Resources
    Motivation
    Music Practice
    Piano Exams
    Practice Organization
    Practicing Piano
    Starting Piano
    Stories
    Summer Piano Lessons
    Technique
    Theory
    Time Management
    Virtual Piano Lessons

    RSS Feed

                                                ©2020 David Story
                         Contact           Home         Mystery Link