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I'm learning to play the xylophone. What have I learned?
Best, David Revised August 2022 Tiger Rag 1917
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 Musicians have a number of tactics to memorise their music for exams.
If I can help you memorise your music, call me. David. We all do it. So go for it. David Revised August 2022   This is a simple concept that can be difficult to execute. When the melody goes up crescendo. When the melody goes diminuendo. The change will be small unless the composer indicates otherwise. Exceptions are clearly marked in the score. The last note in a melody before a rest, in Classical music, is played gently unless the composer indicates otherwise. The last note in a melody before a rest, in Jazz music, is played strongly unless the composer indicates otherwise. Please check out the following recording. If I can help you, call me. David Revised August 2022
The internet is full of hucksters telling you that learning to play the piano is easy. It's not, but it is fun. Every day I watch my students grow; the days turn into years. And, inch by inch, progress is made. If I can help you on your journey, call me. David Revised August 2022  I found it extremely helpful over the holidays to practice with a video camera recording my progress or lack thereof. I played for 5 minutes and watched for 5 minutes. The camera was positioned so that the keyboard of the xylophone was visible. I was able to see and hear what was working and what was not and then adjust my next repetition accordingly. Video helped me to close the gap between how I thought I sounded and how I actually sounded. If I can help you, call me. David Revised August 2022 The above is the final take in ten takes over 20 minutes.
Sight-readings skills make all aspects of piano study and performance easier.
If I can help you, call me. David Revised August 2022  I've fond memories of listening to New Orleans Jazz as a kid at home. Al Hirt, Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain, the lot. Music that gives joy when you play it. and joy when you listen to it. "Sugar" was released in 1926 by Ethel Waters, you can listen below. Over the Christmas break, I've been learning to play jazz on the xylophone. Who knew it was so much fun? This is my version on xylophone with piano accompaniment. If you would like to have as much fun as this on the piano, call me. David Revised August 2022
Everyone understands that the piano is played with the fingers. But not all students understand the role of the wrists, arms, and shoulders in piano playing. These techniques create a kaleidoscope of colour in our playing, and it helps reduce our chances of injury. I wish my early teachers had spent more time on this when I was a kid. My ignorance of these techniques lead to significant arm injury in my late twenties. At age thirty I began relearning the piano with Donald Himes. It took 15 years. Modern piano teaching methods introduce each of these techniques at the appropriate moment. Here is a partial list of techniques. They be observed in the playing of fine pianists. Here is a partial list.
I use some of these techniques in the following video. If you would like help, call me. David Story Donald Himes: Music director/composer for the Mr. Dress-up show CBC. He played from the 1st show to the last. A fine pianist, great teacher and avid Francophile. Revised August 2022 |
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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