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

Summer Project and Lesson Notes for a Classical Piano Student

6/23/2020

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1. Try to finish level 6 theory, it will really help us to communicate as musicians and build your understanding of the music you play.  
2. Summer is a good time to explore music history. A good introduction for classical piano students is found on Audible.ca https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/the-23-greatest-solo-piano-works.html check www.audible.com I found it there for a really fair price.  
3. YouTube score watching; paying attention to one element at a time: articulations , dynamics, tempo
4. General piano skills
  • Technique
  • Etudes
  • Repertoire
  • Sight reading
Have fun, see you in September. 

David
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Summer Project and Lesson Notes for a Jazz Student

6/20/2020

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  1. Spend some time exploring the history of jazz. Here is a good place to start. The great courses can be found on https://www.audible.ca/ for $14.00. https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/elements-of-jazz-from-cakewalks-to-fusion.html 
  2. Another exercise, listen to 3 different versions of a piece in your repertoire by 3 artists. Listen enough to each performance until you can sing along and mimic the performance of the melody on the piano. 
  3. Someday my prince will come with Miles Davis: see attached listening sheet.
  4. General piano skills. For sight reading try this. First page is free. https://www.musicnotes.com/search/go?w=Thanks+for+the+memory&from=header 
  5. Play a chorus or two with Red Garland on C jam blues.
  6. Functional jazz Skills
  • voicings
  • scales
  • chords systems
  • sight reading chords
  • Repertoire

​Have Fun, see you in September. 

David


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Summer Music Plans 2020: Time to make yours

6/19/2020

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I've made mine. There are below. 

Time for yours. Here are some ideas to get you started. 

1. Have fun, lower the intensity. Except if you are a professional or preparing for post secondary music education. Time to ramp it up!
2. Now back to recreational players. Normally I would recommend some concert attendance, but alas, this is not currently possible. Maybe attend some online live events. The Village Vanguard in NYC is presenting some of New York's finest. 
3. If you can visit a music store with a large print section and ask the clerk for some recommendations on what is new and exciting for players at your level. 
4. Revisit and reflect on your goals for the fall. 

Best, 

David Story

My plans. As I'm a professional, I'm ramping up the intensity until Labour Day in September. 

90-day summer music plan 2020
 
Piano Coaching
  1. Contemporary piano with Jacqueline
  2. Bebop with Mark
  3. Adult pedagogy Workshop in July
  4. Some limited jamming
Drums Coaching
  1. Lessons with Lowell
    1. Daily work of his notebook
  2. Finish and master drum kit book
    1. 2 to 3 chapters a week
  3. Jamming with friends
    1. Rory and Jim
    2. Andrew and Rory
    3. Rory
    4. Roland and Ed
  4. Transcriptions continue
Synthesizer fun
  1. William and Gordon
  2. Learn to make multi screen videos

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Online lessons three months in

6/10/2020

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Before Covid 19 1/3 of my students were already online. Now it is everyone. How are folks dealing with it? Generally fine. One young man, 4 years old, had to take a breather. But another 4-year-old is thriving. Kids are still learning, maybe even better because of the extra practice time available. Several parents have taken up the piano again to assist their kids during lessons.

Parental involvement has been a revelation. What fun they are having! Duets are ringing out, lots of laughter and perspiration.

Older adults have really taken to the whole project. Many of them are not going back schlepping through the snow to the studio, they are staying online. Safe and sound in warm and familiar surroundings.

How is the teacher doing? I miss the travel and environmental novelty of travelling. When social distancing passes, I will enjoy the personal interaction I had before. But, I'm pleased as punch that we are all settling into the new normal. 

Call me now for the fall. Spots are filling up. 

Cheers,

​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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                                                ©2022 David Story
  • Homepage
  • Tips, Ideas, Stories, Free Lessons
  • Adult Lessons
  • Jazz Workshop #Eleven March 5, 2023
  • Contact form, fees, calendar, policies
  • Philosophy
  • Testimonials
  • Children's Winter 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