It's that time of the year. Have fun!

1. Jingle Bells 3 hand piano duet with free downloadable score. 
2. Jingle Bells boogie woogie for solo piano with free downloadable score.
3. Silent Night 3 hand piano duet with free downloadable score. 

My scores do not require registration. 
​
​David

In yesterday's class, a discussion unfolded with a student who is a seasoned bass player and retiree. As his jazz instructor, we evaluated his practice routine against my recommendations. He initiated the conversation.
 
Student: Self Reported Jazz Practice Session

I begin with a slow blues warm-up, that Rufus Reid insists must groove. I practice in various keys. (My query was, "How do you determine if it grooves?")

I heeded your advice and learn a Blues head by ear, then craft a solo from a lick in the melody.

I revisit a standard to refine my solo, using iReal Pro for backing. (My question was, "Can you perform this from memory?")

I work on Jazz melodic patterns over ii V I progressions.

I spend about 10 minutes transcribing random YouTube pieces. (My suggestion was to start with a list of popular jazz standards for beginners. 10 jazz standards for beginners - Search (bing.com

My practice sessions total 45 minutes.

Currently, I am not playing with others.
 
Teacher: Music Practice Recommendations

Seek out a playing partner. Having accountability partners, such as bandmates, can significantly propel progress. For further insight, refer to: The buddy boost: how ‘accountability partners’ make you healthy, happy and more successful | Health & wellbeing | The Guardian

Make recordings of yourself and review them promptly. (I edit and listen to band practice recordings, then re-listen the following morning during my walk.)

Focus on instrumental development, including technique, etudes, and classical bass repertoire. Reincorporate this into your practice routine. (I dedicate substantial time to this on my secondary instrument, the drum set.)
Investigate the historical evolution of your instrument in jazz. Identify the pivotal bassists and begin transcribing their work.

Commit to memorizing tunes from the provided list. Delve deeply: master the articulations and phrasing of the melody, annotating these nuances in the score. Transcribe the bass accompaniment beneath the melody.

Revised 2024

Mastering rhythm counting is a fundamental skill in music reading. This includes counting out loud, clapping, practicing with a metronome, among other techniques. Presented below are my preparatory methods and practice strategies for a recent performance with the Metropolitan Silver Band in Toronto, where I serve as the drummer.

Please note that even seasoned musicians engage in counting and annotating their music.

David
Revised 2024

1. This chart illustrates the significance of note-taking during lessons because relying solely on the teacher's notes is not enough. Taking your own notes can enhance your memory of the class content.
2. This chart highlights the optimal time for practice, which is right after the lesson.
3. This chart underscores the importance of spaced repetition. Ignoring the science of forgetting leads to losing most of the learned information.
4. This chart shows that we tend to forget two-thirds of the material we practiced just the day before.
5. This chart should reassure you that your learning pattern is normal.
6. The Harvard paper mentioned provides valuable insights into memorization techniques.

If I can help you, call me. 

​David
Revised 2024

References: 

Replication and Analysis of Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve | PLOS ONE

How Memory Works | Derek Bok Center, Harvard University

I instruct numerous retired professionals. Some are former musicians, while others are newcomers to the piano. All exhibit great enthusiasm. I've noted characteristics of my most successful students to assist them.

he most prudent students begin their lessons pre-retirement.

Here's a brief tale: I'm nearing retirement and have many aspirations for it. Yet, a sage advised me to trial these dreams beforehand, as some may not meet my expectations. They were right; certain dreams proved unenjoyable or were no longer feasible. As a result, I've let go of many dreams, with only two major ones remaining: mastering the drums and completing my humanities degree. The remainder of my time will be devoted to exercise, quality moments with my spouse, part-time teaching, and socializing with friends. Hence, it's wise to experiment with your dreams while you can.

Students who succeed make time for practice. Therefore if your initial year of retirement will be consumed by travel and other hobbies, this isn't the ideal time for starting piano lessons. The second year tends to be more conducive.

Successful students also manage their expectations. Indeed, with commitment to practice, playing beautifully can be achieved swiftly. With years of dedication, even more intricate pieces become attainable. Imagine the progression in martial arts, from white to black belt.

Successful students have faith in and adhere to the process. There are no hidden tricks to mastering the piano; the curriculum has been established for years. Here's a brief tale: In my forties, I embraced classical piano and achieved my Grade 10 and ARCT diplomas. For the first time, I followed the teachers' advice to the letter and implemented it as they directed. The outcomes were extraordinary, and they can be for you as well. 

Successful students engage with music beyond the classroom. They often sight-read pieces that resonate with them and immerse themselves immediately.

Successful students also attend concerts featuring the music they aspire to learn. Today, my wife and I will attend a performance by Sir András Schiff. The venue will be filled with pianists and piano learners of all ages, who will undoubtedly leave inspired to hurry home and practice. It's a certainty.

If I can help you with your dream of playing the piano, call me.

David   
Revised 2024

Tips for playing piano beautifully.
 
Concert artists have dedicated years learning to play the piano beautifully. They have studied and mastered all the elements of their craft: repertoire, technique, aural skills, sightreading, performance practice, historical awareness, idiomatic knowledge, and more. However, they all had to start somewhere. So here is a starting point for beginners and intermediate pianists looking to elevate their interpretive skills.

1. Playing the score accurately is the obvious first step.
2. Observe the dynamic markings from your first reading of the work.
3. Where the melody rises in pitch, play a gentle crescendo.
4. Where the melody falls play in pitch, a gentle diminuendo.
5. Locate any tempo changes.
6. Take a breath at a repeat sign.
7. Generally, the last note under a slur is played softer, unless the score indicates otherwise.
8. Practice with a metronome with pieces that are based on dances like minuets, gigue etc. Many contemporary pieces written in the last few decades work as well with metronome practice. However, most Romantic era music does not. Therefore, this excludes most of Chopin, Liszt, and Debussy.
9. Translate directly into the score any text you find in languages you don’t understand. These terms will always tell you how to play the piece.
10. Most of these points can be overridden by markings in the score. 

 
This is a starting point for expressive playing. To develop a more sophisticated understanding one must transcribe the performance practice of professionals from different eras performing your pieces and compare the results. For example, when comparing performances of the first 8 measures of Scarlatti’s Sonata in E K380 over decades of recordings you will discover the diverse ways the musicians interpret the trills.  Most start above the principle note, but not everyone. The intensity, tempi, and dynamics vary as well.
If I can help you further, call me.
 
David