David Story, Online Piano Lessons from Toronto
  • Homepage
  • Tips, Ideas, Stories, Free Lessons
  • Adult Lessons
  • Jazz Workshop #12 June 4, 2023
  • Contact form, fees, calendar, policies
  • Philosophy
  • Testimonials
  • Children's Spring Concert 2023
  • My Story
  • Student awards and compositions
  • Classical downloads
  • Classical outline for beginners
  • Jazz downloads
  • Jazz outline for beginners
  • Video Library of Piano Techniques
  • Breakfast Piano Minute
  • Books, Apps, Websites, Music
  • Ear Training and Sight Singing Resources

Tips, free lessons, and inspiration

Sitting at the correct height. How high is high?

5/31/2023

0 Comments

 
This guy explains how to sit on the piano bench correctly. He includes a discussion and demonstration of the correct distance to sit from the piano and the height of the bench. As he says, sitting correctly will help us play easier and avoid injury. 

Enjoy.

David
0 Comments

Royal Conservatory of Music Quick Study Tips for Piano Students

5/26/2023

0 Comments

 
Consider each of the following before beginning.
  • Title. The title can tell you a lot about how the piece is going to be played. Consider: Avalanche verses Minuet in D. One title suggests a piece that will be loud, fast, and dramatic. The other title suggests refinement and graceful movement. 
  • Composer. Mozart requires a different musical approach and touch than Bach or Gershwin. 
  • Key signature. Is this piece in a major or minor key? Practice this scale before beginning. 
  • Time signature. Look for changes. 
  • Tempo. In the end, musicality will be more important than tempo. However, you will need to play at a tempo that is within range. 
  • Dynamics. Often overlooked with unfortunate results. 
  • Clap the rhythm while counting aloud over a metronome.
  • Repeat signs. Missing these is embarrassing. 
  • Articulations. Legato, staccato etc. bring life to the music. 
  • Search for funny business like clef changes, hand over hand, key signature changes, and tempo changes often lie hidden from first view. 
Now practice hands separately, paying attention to the fingering. Remember: slow and methodical practice will yield quicker results. 

​Good luck. 
Download the poster
0 Comments

Tresillo Rhythm in Jazz

5/25/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
This African rhythm is found throughout the popular music of the Americas for centuries. Here it is applied in a jazz context. You will hear it in the introduction of "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin, The Charleston by Green Hill, and Chinatown by Teddy Wilson. It is still heard today loudly emanating from the cars of young men. Jelly Roll Morton called it the "Spanish tinge." You can hear it in "The Crave." It is also called the Habanera Rhythm as heard in the introduction of St. Louis Blues. 
The crave sheet music
Picture
St. Louis Blues Piano Score
0 Comments

Eleven Jazz Pieces to Learn by Ear

5/25/2023

0 Comments

 
Learning the melodies to jazz standards will save you a lot of time and bother. The thesis is this.
  1. You will play with rhythm and correct articulations from day one.
  2. As you become more sophisticated in your use of jazz theory, you have a readymade place to work on it. It is exceedingly difficult to practice theoretical concepts if you are struggling with the piece. 

David
0 Comments

TCB’s final concert for the 2022-23 season returns to the beautiful Glenn Gould Studio

5/16/2023

0 Comments

 
I'm finishing my first year with the Toronto Concert Band and what a thrill it has been. From drum set to piano, xylophone to tympani it has been a journey of intense rehearsal, thrilling concerts, private practice, and fellowship.

At the upcoming concert I will be playing: 
  1. Vibraphone
  2. Finger cymbals
  3. Xylophone
  4. Tympani
  5. Crash cymbal
  6. Triangle
  7. Sharker
  8. Drum kit
  9. Glockenspiel
  10. And... cowbell, lots of cowbell

Come join us and say hi after the concert. 
​
When: June 10, 2023 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front Street West

Tickets: 2023 Spring Concert - Toronto Concert Band 

Picture
0 Comments

Intermediate Piano Warmup in A major

5/10/2023

0 Comments

 
I suggest you vary the tempi, dynamics, and articulations of the following warmup etude. These passages can also be transposed to other keys, both major and minor. 

​David
Picture
Free Download
0 Comments

Tips from Angela Hewitt on keeping one's musical memory intact

4/25/2023

0 Comments

 
Angela Hewitt shares her tactics, strategies, and stories on how she keeps her musical memory strong. It is interesting to note that musical conservatories, like the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, have developed curriculums that prepare the ground for developing and helping to maintain musical memory. 
  1. Logical sequencing of material.
  2. Repertoire that must be memorized.
  3. Theoretical knowledge and application.
  4. Foundational skills of techniques and etudes.
  5. Historical knowledge
  6. Aural skills.
  7. Sightreading
  8. Score study
  9. Assessment

Link to the article: ‘Like sex and religion, we don’t like to talk about memory’: pianist Angela Hewitt on how she keeps hers in shape | Classical music | The Guardian
Picture
0 Comments

Learning to Jam with others. How do I go about it?

4/5/2023

0 Comments

 
A student writes, “Hey David, I wanted to check my learning strategy with you. My goal right now is to play better at the jams I attend. Most of them are funky with someone creating a groove, and everyone jumping in.
I noticed the keys players are all very good at hearing the bass and figuring out the progression— or finding a groove within a set progression. At my level, I’m usually asking others what key we’re in (although it doesn’t always work since it changes) and then playing the root chord and inversions of it. I’ll sometimes create groove lines from the respective blues scale, but that’s about it for my understanding.
Taken together, I’m thinking the number one thing I need to work on is: Ear training.
For that, I’m thinking I focus on training my ear to understand:
  • Major ii, V, I in every key
  • Major I, vi, ii, V, I in every key
  • I, IV, V in every key
Does this sound like a good start to being able to jam with others in the scenario described above?
Thanks!

My response.
Yes, this is a good start. Here are some more ideas to consider.
  1. Ear training consists of the following elements: chord and interval recognition, identifying chord progressions, learning tunes by ear, learning licks by ear. Furthermore, practicing your scales, chords, and other keyboard techniques using a metronome will be immensely helpful in learning to play with other musicians’ time feel. This is another aspect of ear training—staying in place.
  2. Keyboard skills. Always be working on basic piano skills separately.
  3. Repertoire knowledge. There is an old say that goes, “they that know the most tunes wins.” Practice jamming with songs that have less than four chords in them. Here are some searches to get you started. You can approach these tunes in several ways. For one chord tunes, just look up the title without looking at the key. See if you can figure out the key, ditto with the 2 chord pieces. The list below was created from the first link. I can't guarantee that each piece has only one chord, they came from the internet afterall, but it's a start. 
​
  • pop songs with one chord - Search (bing.com)
  • pop songs with two chords or less - Search (bing.com)
  • pop songs with three chords or less - Search (bing.com)
  • pop songs with four chords or less - Search (bing.com)
Have fun.
 
David

One Chord Songs

  1. Locker - 35007 
  2. Drifter's Escape - Bob Dylan
  3. Helen Wheels - Paul McCartney & Wings
  4. There Is a Mountain - Donovan
  5. Stupidly Happy - XTC
  6. Electric Avenue - Eddy Grant
  7. Joy - Lucinda Williams
  8. Mississippi Boll Weevil - Charley Patton
  9. Exodus - Bob Marley
  10. Panadero Ensoñado - Pescado Rabioso
  11. The Enchanted Gypsy - Donovan
  12. Con Altura - Rosalía, J Balvin
  13. Papa Was a Rolling Stone - The Temptations
  14. Crosseyed & Painless - Talking Heads
  15. Watussi - Harmonia
  16. Get the Party Started - Pink
  17. Nevermind - Leonard Cohen
  18. The Hustle - Bars of Gold
  19. Tomorrow Never Knows - The Beatles
  20. Ever So Lonely - Monsoon 
  21. Coconut - Harry Nilsson 
  22. American Woman - Lenny Kravitz
  23. Get Up, Stand Up - Bob Marley
  24. Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin
  25. Fire- Ohio Players
  26. Who Knows? - Jimi Hendrix
  27. Careful with That Axe, Eugene - Pink Floyd
  28. Loser - Beck
  29. Church of Anthrax - John Cale & Terry Rile
  30. Jump Into The Fire - Harry Nilsson
  31. One Chord Song - Stoney LaRue
  32. The National Anthem - Radiohead
  33. Jimmy Bell - William "Cat Iron" Carradine
  34. Sloppy Drunk Again - Walter Davis
  35. LazyBones - Soul Coughing
  36. Push Upstairs - Underworld
  37. Showbiz Kids - Steely Dan
  38. Machine Gun - Jimi Hendrix
  39. Daydreamer - Menswear
  40. Voyage Automatique - 35007
  41. Run Through The Jungle - Creedence Clearwater Revival 
  42. Wang Dang Doodle - Willie Dixon
  43. Deeper Well - Emmylou Harris
  44. Bullet the Blue Sky - U2 
  45. The Story of One Chord - Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper
  46. Moanin' at Midnight - Howlin' Wolf 
  47. Radar Eyes - The Godz
  48. Spoonful - Cream
  49. Mondo in Mi 7a - Adriano Celentano
  50. Whole Lotta Love - Zepplin 
  51. Walking in Your Footsteps - The Police
  52. Keep On Chooglin' - Creedence Clearwater Revival
  53. Seeds - Bruce Springsteen 
  54. DNA - Kendrick Lamar
  55. Snake Farm - Ray Wylie Hubbard
  56. Price - Super Furry Animals
  57. E minor or Em7 (playable with E or E7 also)
  58. Smokestack LIghtnin' - Howlin' Wolf 
  59. I'm Bad Like Jesse James - John Lee Hooker
  60. Thank You - Sly & the Family Stone
  61. I Asked for Water - Howlin' Wolf
  62. What Are Their Names? - David Crosby
  63. Know - Nick Drake
  64. Pablo Picasso - Modern Lovers
  65. Hallo Gallo - Neu!
  66. Relax - Frankie Goes to Hollywood 
  67. Alta Suciedad - Andrés Calamaro
  68. Powertruth - 35007
  69. Bodak Yellow (Money Moves) - Cardi B
  70. Mi Gente - J Balvin, Willy William, Beyonce
  71. DNA - Kendrick Lamar
  72. Mañana en el Abasto - Sumo
  73. Send Me Your Pillow - John Lee Hooker
  74. The Story of Bo Diddley - The Animals
  75. Peter Gunn - Henry Mancini
  76. Which Way Do Red River Run? - Mance Lipscomb
  77. John Henry - Buster Brown
  78. The Beat Goes On - Sonny & Cher
  79. Ding Dang - The Beach Boys
  80. See My Jumper Hanging On the Line - R.L. Burnside
  81. Shanty Blues - Henry Thomas
  82. Mona - The Rolling Stones
  83. Run On for a Long Time- Bill Landford
  84. Paradise - Sade
  85. Peter Gunn - Henry Mancini
  86. Losing Face - I Am Snow Angel 
  87. Political World - Bob Dylan
  88. One Chord Song - Keith Urban
  89. Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley
  90. Dance to the Music - Sly & the Family Stone
  91. My Jack Don't Drink No Water - Shortstuff Macon
  92. Everyday People - Sly & the Family Stone
  93. Low Rider - War
  94. It's a Rainy Day Sunshine Girl - Faust
  95. Bad to The Bone - George Thorogood
  96. U.S. 41 - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
  97. Catfish Blues - Robert Petway
  98. Spike Driver Blues - Mississippi John Hurt
  99. Shotgun - Jr. Walker & the All-Stars
  100. Rubberband Girl - Kate Bush
  101. Magic Bus - The Who
  102. Boring Girls - Pissed Jean
  103. The Bogus Man - Roxy Music
  104. Know Your Rights - The Clash
  105. Who's He And What Is He To You?- Bill Withers
  106. Space for the Papa - Jeff Beck
0 Comments

Piano warmups for intermediate students

3/30/2023

0 Comments

 
I recommend playing these warmups at various tempos with a metronome. Transposing these exercises to different keys is also highly recommended. 

David

Key words:
  • Scales
  • Scales in contrary motion
  • Diatonic chords
  • Broken chords
  • Arpeggios
  • Piano warmups
Picture
Free Download
0 Comments

Harmonising Pop Melodies: Lead Sheet Strategies

3/29/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture

Adding a single note, at strategic places, will enhance the fullness of the arrangement. For popular music from the 1950s to today, say Carol King or Beyoncé, this will work. Whenever the melody is at rest, add the 3rd or 5th of the chord below the melody, as illustrated above. 

This lesson presupposes you understand the meaning of root, third, and fifth of a chord. And, have a basic grasp of intervals. If you struggle with this call me, I can help. 

David
Picture
0 Comments

Vanilla chords for Jazz students

3/24/2023

0 Comments

 
So many beautiful pieces to learn and so many chords to master. It's a real problem for beginning jazz students. Lester Young, the legendary sax player of the 1940's, is known to have requested or demanded that the pianist play the "vanilla chords." "Forgot the fancy reharmonizations, just give me the vanilla chords; I'll decorate the harmony." Or something to that effect. It was a story told to me many decades ago. So, here are the vanilla chords for hundreds of jazz standards. Let it be your guide to taking the harmony back to a more manageable level. ​
vanilla chords
Picture
Me: What was Lester Young referring to when he said play the vanilla chords?

ChatGPT: Lester Young was known for his distinctive and influential saxophone playing style in jazz music. There are a few different stories and interpretations of what he meant when he referred to "vanilla chords."
One interpretation is that Young was encouraging his fellow musicians to stick to the basic, fundamental chords in a song, rather than adding too many complicated or unusual harmonies. In this sense, "vanilla chords" could be understood as simple and straightforward chords that provide a solid harmonic foundation for improvisation and soloing.
Another interpretation is that Young was referring to the use of the basic major and minor chords in a blues progression. In this context, "vanilla" could be seen as a metaphor for the basic, essential ingredients of a blues song, and Young was emphasizing the importance of staying true to that traditional form.
However, it's worth noting that the exact phrase "vanilla chords" does not appear in any known recordings or transcripts of Young's performances or interviews. So the meaning of the phrase remains somewhat elusive and subject to interpretation.
0 Comments

Seven steps for learning a new piece of piano music.

3/9/2023

0 Comments

 
Seven steps to learning a new piece of piano music.
 
  1. Translate all the musical terms and write them in your score. These Italian terms tell you how to play the piece. They indicate tempo, mood, and attitude.
  2. Locate three professional YouTube recordings of your new work. Play them in turn; make notes on how each musician interprets the score and musical terms from step one. If you can see their hands, notice the gestures they use to interpret the score. (I write what I hear and see in my scores.)
  3. Using a slow metronome tempo, clap and count aloud the rhythm of each hand.
  4. What you will do next depends on the complexity of the score and your piano skills. If the music is complex, write in the fingering, measure by measure, hand by hand. Experiment and carefully consider your choices. The editor’s markings are often a good place to start. You just fill in the missing finger numbers. This will accomplish two things. One, you will be practicing slowly and consciously, hand by hand, chunk by chunk. Two, you will have time to play musically from the start because you will have time to consider the dynamics or articulations. Concurrently with the writing in the fingerings, consider the gestures needed to interpret the music. These might include fingers, rotation, drop, two note slurs, and other motions. If you are unclear about which gestures to use, call me. I will show you how, with the proper gestures, the composer's intentions are easier to realize.
  5. After the initial consideration you gave to the fingering, dynamics, and articulations you are now ready to play with steadier time. Continue to count aloud, with a metronome, if you are having trouble with the rhythm. Don’t hesitate to work on your hands separately.
  6. Repeat step two.
  7. You now have a secure foundation to begin practicing in earnest. You have an artistic impression of the work, you’ve worked out the fingering, dynamics, articulations, and necessary hand gestures to interpret the music.

​If I can help you further, call me.
 
David
0 Comments

Learning to hear the 60 Jazz chords

3/6/2023

0 Comments

 
There are sixty jazz chords that you will need to recognize by ear. The ability to hear them, sing them, and play them will form the cornerstone of your jazz improvisation and aural recognition of jazz chord progressions. 

They are:

1. Major 7th
2. Dominant 7th
3. Minor 7th
4. Minor 7th b5
5. Diminished 7th

Five types, 12 keys = 60 chords. 

These exercises will help you get there.  If I can help you, call me. 

David
Free download of the singing exercises
Picture
0 Comments

Aural Skills, Musical Rudiments, and Sightreading--The overlooked elements of Musicianship

2/27/2023

0 Comments

 
      The elements of musicianship, namely aural skills, musical rudiments (“theory”), and sightreading are often neglected in musical study because students are busy grinding away on their instruments.  However, musicianship skills facilitate the learning of new music and instrumental mastering. Aural skills help the students hear internally what they are reading, rudiments help them see the musical patterns within the composition, and sightreading skills make learning a piece of music much quicker. Therefore, when students spend equal time on musicianship studies, they perform with greater insight, security, and finesse in a shorter amount of time. 
       When musicians perform prepared memorized pieces, they play by ear, even if they learned the piece by reading. The primary elements of aural training are recognizing: intervals, chords, scales, rhythmic and melodic dictation, and playing back short melodies by ear. These aural skills allow the musician to, among other things, connect what they hear with what they are playing, and thus greatly increase the accuracy of their performance. 
       Musicians who understand the structural elements of their pieces and the relationship of these elements to the sound they are making have a firm grasp of musical rudiments because understanding how tonality, rhythm, form, dynamics, and articulations interact in a score will inform the student’s ability to play idiomatically. Furthermore, a student who understands rudiments can make musical sense of the score in a shorter time. 
      Students are always keen on learning a piece quickly and skilled sight readers can do this, whereas unskilled sight readers grind away endlessly to learn their music. Skilled sight readers use their aural skills and strong rudimental knowledge to make sense of the music “on the fly,” allowing them to learn quickly and/or play with others in group settings. 
      Students love to play; they mostly hate to study. They signed up for the fun of making sounds they recognize, so they often must be convinced that the shortest route from A to B is not in grinding, but in mastering these “boring” elements of musicianship: aural skills, musical rudiments, and sightreading.

If I can help you on your musical journey, call me. 

David
This blog was written by a human. 
0 Comments

How to recognise jazz chords by ear

2/25/2023

0 Comments

 

Sing them!

Picture
FYI: Page two contains the diminished 7th chord.
Free download of the image above
0 Comments

What should a Royal Conservatory of Music piano student practice each week according to Shakespear?

2/20/2023

0 Comments

 
A Royal Conservatory piano student's goal,
Is mastering the art of playing with control.

Begin with scales and arpeggios in hand,
To warm up fingers and help you understand.

Next, pieces chosen with purpose and care,
Played often, so the music's easy to bear.

Technical studies such as Hanon or Czerny,
Can help you play with dexterity so cleanly.

Sight-reading and ear training are quite a treat,
To build essential skills and make progress sweet.

Choose challenging repertoire to extend,
Your capabilities, and become a true friend.

Lastly, review and refine what you've learned,
So your piano skills will be well-earned.

A Royal Conservatory piano student's way,
​Is to practice each week, with dedication and play.


William.
Picture
0 Comments

Listening is pracitcing

2/14/2023

0 Comments

 
Coming up on March 4, 2023, I will be performing with the Toronto Concert Band as a pianist and percussionist. I practice every day in preparation for, and anticipation of, an exciting evening of music making.  The piano part of Cait Nishimua's "Pukaskwa" is challenging. The piano part enters after a tricky rest. My confidence needs a boost. So, I've transcribed the melody that plays in the rest, which, I hope, will make my entrance stronger. 

I'll let you know how it turns out.
Picture
0 Comments

How to spend an hour practicing for your Royal Conservatory of Music exam. Part 2

2/7/2023

0 Comments

 
Listening (5 minutes) Listen to professional recordings of the piece(s) you will be practicing today and then play your "party piece" or your "goto" piece. 
Warm-up (10 minutes) Play your assigned scales, arpeggios, and technical exercises. Multiple repetitions are recommended. 
Repertoire (20 minutes) Play your piece(s) focusing on sound quality, phrasing, dynamics, and rhythm. I suggest working on small chunks Later, when you are close to the exam, you should run your program, without stopping, to build endurance. 
Sightreading (5 minutes)
Theory (10 minutes)
Ear Training (5 minutes) Review the requirements of the grade.
Conclusion (5 minutes) Review an old favorite

If I can help you, call me. 

David


0 Comments

Improving Aural Skills in Music according to ChatGPT

2/3/2023

0 Comments

 
Question: What are the elements I need to consider, as a musician, to improve my aural skills?

Answer: To improve your aural skills as a musician, you should consider the following elements:
  1. Pitch recognition: the ability to identify and match the correct pitch
  2. Rhythm: the ability to accurately identify and reproduce rhythms, including meter, tempo, and note values
  3. Intervals: the ability to identify and recognize different distances between two pitches
  4. Chords: the ability to identify and recognize different chord progressions and chord qualities
  5. Melody: the ability to recognize and remember melodic lines
  6. Timbre: the ability to identify different instrument sounds and voice qualities
  7. Harmony: the ability to recognize and understand chord progressions and harmonies
  8. Form: the ability to recognize and understand musical structures, such as verse-chorus form and sonata form.
Practicing regularly, engaging in listening exercises, and taking lessons from a qualified teacher can all help to improve your aural skills.

------------------------------------
Sounds like the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum to me. 

​David
0 Comments

PIano Practice Guide ChatGPT

2/3/2023

0 Comments

 

Piano Practice Guide


What should I practice to learn piano?

Here are some suggestions to help you learn piano:
  1. Scales and Chords: Practice playing scales and chords regularly to build finger strength and dexterity.
  2. Sheet Music: Start by learning to read sheet music and playing simple pieces. As you progress, gradually increase the difficulty of the pieces you play.
  3. Theory: Study music theory to understand how different elements of music work together, such as harmony, melody, and rhythm.
  4. Ear Training: Develop your ear by listening to music and trying to play what you hear by ear.
  5. Repetition: Consistent practice is key to mastering any skill. Try to practice every day for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Posture: Make sure to maintain proper posture while playing the piano to avoid strain and injury.
  7. Find a teacher or mentor: Consider finding a local teacher or mentor to guide you and provide feedback on your playing.
  8. Remember, learning an instrument takes time and patience. Stay motivated and enjoy the journey!

Once again good specific advice. 

David

What should a Royal Conservatory of Music piano student practice each week? Please answer in rhyming couplets.

A Royal Conservatory student, practicing piano,
Should aim for consistency, not just a one-time show.

First, warm up those fingers with scales and arpeggios,
Then move on to pieces, to let the music flow.

Technical studies like Hanon or Czerny,
Can help to build dexterity and avoid any injury.

Sight-reading and ear training, don't forget to include,
These skills are crucial and can't be misconstrued.

Challenging repertoire, should be in the mix,
To push your abilities, and you're playing to fix.

Lastly, review and refine, what you've learned so far,
Take your time, be patient, it will take you far.

So Royal Conservatory piano student, keep in mind,
Practice regularly, and you'll see yourself shine.

I may lose my mind. 

David
0 Comments

How Should I Practice Piano According to ChatGPT?

2/2/2023

0 Comments

 
How should I practice piano?

To practice piano effectively, here are some steps you can follow:

  1. Set clear goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your piano practice, whether it's to learn a specific piece, improve your technique, or develop your theory skills.
  2. Warm up: Start with simple exercises to warm up your hands and get in the right mindset for practice.
  3. Practice consistently: Make a schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key to making progress on the piano.
  4. Focus on technique: Pay attention to your hand position, finger placement, and arm movements. Make sure you're using proper technique to prevent injury and improve your sound.
  5. Use different resources: In addition to practicing with sheet music, use educational books, videos, and online resources to supplement your practice.
  6. Pay attention to detail: Slow down and focus on individual phrases and sections, paying attention to details like dynamics and phrasing.
  7. Review and reflect: Regularly review what you've learned and think about what you need to work on next. This will help you stay motivated and make steady progress.

Have fun: Finally, make sure to enjoy the process! Playing the piano should be a source of joy and fulfillment, not stress and frustration.

----------------------------

Not bad. However, recording yourself is missing. 

David
0 Comments

How to practice jazz piano according to ChatGPT

2/1/2023

0 Comments

 
How should I practice jazz piano?
  1. Listen and Study: Start by listening to and studying great jazz pianists and their recordings.
  2. Scales and Chords: Practice scales and chords daily to develop finger dexterity and chord vocabulary.
  3. Improvisation: Practice improvising over jazz standards and progressions.
  4. Transcribing: Transcribe solos from recordings and learn to play them.
  5. Theory: Study jazz theory and harmony.
  6. Jam sessions: Participate in jam sessions to gain real-life experience playing with other musicians.
  7. Repetition: Repeat and practice the basics regularly to solidify your foundation.

ChatGPT Jan 30 Version. Free Research Preview. Our goal is to make AI systems more natural and safe to interact with. Your feedback will help us improve.

Good advice. 

​David
0 Comments

FInding New Chords for Jazz Standards

1/30/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Jazz students are often looking for new chords for the standards they are playing. This blog offers you some suggestions if you are unable to transcribe.

1. The iReal Pro app is a useful source. It doesn't always have the most exciting chords, but it does help you move on from the fakebook.
2. YouTube transcriptions, though not always reliable, will help you explore new harmonic ideas.
3. The Real jazz Solos Book by Hal Leonard is a reliable book to consult.

Have fun. 

David
 

Picture
Picture
My Funny Valentine PDF
0 Comments

How to prepare for a music exam according to ChatGPT

1/28/2023

0 Comments

 
My wife is preparing for your Grade 3 violin exam. She asked ChatGPT about preparing for the big event. Here are the results. 

Hi ChatGPT. What are your recommendations about preparing for a practical violin exam?

ChatGPT. Here are some general recommendations for preparing for a practical violin exam:
  1. Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time each day to practice the pieces you will be performing in the exam.
  2. Work on technique: Make sure you are comfortable with the technical aspects of playing the violin, such as proper posture, bowing, and finger placement.
  3. Learn the pieces thoroughly: Make sure you have a good understanding of the music, including the melody, harmony, and rhythm.
  4. Practice with a metronome: Use a metronome to help you keep time and improve your sense of rhythm.
  5. Record yourself: Recording yourself while you practice can help you identify and correct any mistakes or areas that need improvement.
  6. Get feedback: Seek feedback from a teacher or a more experienced player to help identify areas of improvement and to gain confidence
  7. Get enough rest, eat well and stay healthy: Playing a musical instrument requires a lot of focus and energy, so make sure you're well-rested and healthy on the day of the exam.
  8. Practice performing: As the exam is a performance, practice performing your pieces to get comfortable with the stage and audience.
  9. Remember that exam is not the only measure of your skill, and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just enjoy the process of playing.

Wow, the advice is solid. However, a few things are missing. 

10. Listen to professional recordings of your music. This is a proven method employed in the Suzuki music methods. Students need to be able to recognize an incorrect note(s) in their playing. 

​The advice is all old school except for step five. 

David
BTW, my wife is a professor of education who writes on Ai. 
0 Comments

Beethoven Sonatina in G Major, Anh. 5/1

1/27/2023

0 Comments

 
Why be conventional? 
0 Comments
<<Previous
    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.
    Charlie Parker

    Author

    I'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also a devoted percussionist and drum teacher. 

    Archives

    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    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
    Blues Piano
    Breakfast Piano Minute
    Buying A Piano
    Children's Piano Lessons
    Classical Piano
    Ear Training
    Goal Setting
    Hobby Overload
    How To Practice Scales On The Piano
    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
    What Students Are Playing This Week

    RSS Feed

                                                ©2022 David Story
  • Homepage
  • Tips, Ideas, Stories, Free Lessons
  • Adult Lessons
  • Jazz Workshop #12 June 4, 2023
  • Contact form, fees, calendar, policies
  • Philosophy
  • Testimonials
  • Children's Spring Concert 2023
  • My Story
  • Student awards and compositions
  • Classical downloads
  • Classical outline for beginners
  • Jazz downloads
  • Jazz outline for beginners
  • Video Library of Piano Techniques
  • Breakfast Piano Minute
  • Books, Apps, Websites, Music
  • Ear Training and Sight Singing Resources