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

O When The Saints Go March In: Classic Recordings

10/31/2022

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Louis Armstrong key of Ab
Doreen Ketchens, Preservation Hall Dr. John, Rebirth, Al Hirt, Wynton, Tuba Skinny key of F
Fats Domino key of Eb
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Dance (no.8 from For Children, Vol. 2) by B. Bartók

10/28/2022

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A fine tutorial for students. 
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Clementi Sonatina in C: 4 interpretations

10/20/2022

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First Edition 1798-99

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Tempo:
  1. Lang Lang: Half note =112
  2. Wuja Wang: Half note =100
  3. Cory Hall: Half note =113
  4. Qi Zhang: Half note =110

None of the artists played with a completely steady beat, in other words, the tempo varied both from section to section and within sections. 

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My Little Suede Shoes Seminal Recordings

10/20/2022

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Seven unique recordings of the same tune that are worthy of our time and study. This is a tune to learn by ear, without a fakebook, paying close attention to variations of the chord progression.
  1. Parker starts with a "Latin" intro and sets the standard for the recordings that follow.
  2. Green keeps the "Latin", but switches to swing.
  3. Stitt plays the melody swing over the "Latin" groove.
  4. Haynes goes Calypso/Latin.
  5. Cohen goes sloooooooooooooooooooooooooow. Really slow. This is a complete reimagining of the piece. 
  6. Grasso gives it a buttoned-down big band reading. 

  7. Have Fun. 

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Practice Time: The Pizza Method of Time Management for RCM Piano Students

10/14/2022

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What to practice, how to practice, how much to practice, when to practice can be sources of anxiety to students preparing for a piano exam. To succeed one must spend time on each area of study.
  1. Repertoire
  2. Etudes
  3. Theory
  4. Sightreading
  5. Technique
  6. Ear Training.
This short blog focuses on working at the piano. 

Try dividing up your time on the piano bench as indicated in the drawing; give equal time to each area. Now if you are like me, your attention span is long as a puppy's. No worries, jump around. But keep track of your time in each area. 
  1. Technique includes the assigned scales, chords, arpeggios, and etudes. Remember to use your metronome!
  2. Sightreading includes rhythmic as well as written exercises from your "Four Star" books. 
  3. Review at least one piece of completed repertoire. I suggest reviewing a different piece in every practice session to keep your repertoire performance ready.
  4. New work, the heart of practice. Remember to listen to a professional recording before starting. We all need a fresh impression before beginning. Try to fix at least one passage in each practice session. 

Good luck

David 
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Bag's Groove Seminal Recordings

10/13/2022

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There is much to learn from listening to each of these recordings, especially the counter-lines played by John Lewis. I would encourage you to learn, by ear, the diverse ways musicians approach the simple blues melody. 

​David
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Seminal recordings of Manhã de Carnaval (Black Orpheus)

10/10/2022

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When learning to play Brazilian jazz it is best to go to the primary sources, the original and other seminal recordings recorded in Brazil, both past and present. At the end of this sample of Brazilian recordings is a fine recording by Kenny Barron, who it must be said, has listened to the original recordings.

Practice routine?

Spend an afternoon playing the melody with the recordings, mimicking as much as possible what you hear. Then add the chords.

​David
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Learning to sing the intervals within a five note major or minor pentascale

10/6/2022

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The following is a series of exercises to help you "experience" intervals, taking them out of the theoretical and into the practical. I recommend that you transpose these passages as you learn new patterns. 

David
Download PDF
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Getting Started with Intervals

10/6/2022

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The Major 3rd, Minor 3rd, and Perfect 5th is just theory until we hear them, experience them, and then apply this understanding to our playing. The following exercise is one way to "experience" these intervals. 
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Download pdf
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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 drum set and mallet percussionist. 

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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