David Story, Online Piano Lessons from Toronto
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Tips, free lessons, and inspiration

New Idea: Online Duet Playing

3/31/2021

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Musical Score
YouTube has many piano duets you can enjoy. You play primo. The score for this piece is available, free of charge and registration, through the link above.  Learn your part then put on headphones, or ear buds and play along. Remember YouTube videos can be slowed if required. 

Have fun 

​David
Revised November 2022
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Royal Conservatory of Music Teaching Online Course

3/23/2021

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Over the duration of the classes, I've learned many new things about teaching online. As a result, I've upgraded and tweaked my technology and lesson plans. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Call me, 

​David
Revised November 2022
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The promise of musicianship

3/17/2021

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So many piano students are seeking the "secret". The secret that sends them to the front of the line. This secret is called "musicianship". This secret is made up of four principal areas: technique, theory, history, and aural skills. Here are four ideas or reasons to work in these areas. 

1. Practice piano technique with a metronome as this will get your internal musical clock in order. 
2. Master theory/rudiments/harmony that is appropriate to your level. Learning how music is constructed helps you to memorize and understand what you are playing.  
3. Read music history. Knowing the breadth of repertoire and the historical context of your style of music allows you to play with more insight. Classical students study classical history, jazz students jazz history, etc. 
4. And finally work on your ear training or aural skills. The ability to visualize the sound of music in your head before you play it  is often overlooked by music students.  


David

Below is a video of the Duke Ellington student staple, Satin doll. The video is cued for the B section or middle 8. Listen to the trombone "lick" played when the chord progression lands on F. Figure is out. It is in the key of F, starts on A. Now check out the video I've made on what to do with this lick. This is an example of aural skills in action. 

revised May 2023

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Piano Dreams For A Post Pandemic World

3/13/2021

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www.finchcocks.com/Finchcock Piano Courses UK

I'm dreaming. of one week of piano with first rate tutors, delicious food, and flowing wine at this adult piano retreat in the UK. ​Click above for more inf. 

David
revised November 2022​
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What My Intermediate Classical Students Are Learning This Week

3/9/2021

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What Jazz Students Are Learning This Week

3/9/2021

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Interpreting Mozart: Things piano teachers read for fun.

3/3/2021

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I'm looking forward to the section on ornamentation in Mozart. Always a tricky proposition. 

​David
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    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. 

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                                                ©2025 David Story
  • Homepage
  • Tips, Ideas, Stories, Free Lessons
  • Contact form, fees, calendar, policies
  • Adult Lessons
  • About Me
  • Children Lessons
  • Jazz and Blues Workshops 2024 2025
  • Philosophy
  • Testimonials
  • Student awards and compositions
  • Classical downloads
  • Classical outline for beginners
  • Jazz and Blues Downloads
  • Jazz outline for beginners
  • Children's Piano Recital
  • Video Library of Piano Techniques
  • Breakfast Piano Minute
  • Books, Apps, Websites, Music
  • Ear Training and Sight Singing Resources
  • My YouTube channel
  • Chord Voicings for Jazz Standards
  • Long and McQuade Teacher Workshop 2024