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 teach many retired professionals, including former musicians and beginners, all of whom show great enthusiasm. I've identified key traits of my most successful students to guide you in your considerations.

The most dedicated students often start their lessons before retirement. Here’s a brief personel story: As I approach retirement, I too have many dreams for this next chapter. A wise mentor once suggested I test these dreams before retiring, as some might not live up to my expectations. They were right; I discovered that certain dreams were unfulfilling or impractical. Consequently, I’ve narrowed my focus to two main aspirations: mastering the drums and completing my humanities degree. I plan to spend my remaining time exercising, enjoying quality moments with my spouse, teaching part-time, and socializing with friends. 

Successful students prioritize practice. If your first year of retirement will be filled with travel, it might not be the best time to start piano lessons; the second year tends to be more favorable.

Additionally, successful students manage their expectations. With consistent practice, beautiful playing can be achieved relatively quickly, while more complex pieces require years of dedication. It’s similar to martial arts—earning a black belt takes time.

These students trust the process, knowing there are no hidden tricks to mastering the piano; the curriculum has been well-established. Another short story, in my forties, I dedicated myself to classical piano, achieving my Grade 10 and ARCT diplomas by following my teachers’ guidance meticulously. The results were remarkable, and they can be for you as well.

Engaging with music beyond the classroom is another hallmark of successful students. They often sight-read pieces that resonate with them. They also attend concerts featuring the musical genre(s) they wish to learn. For instance, my wife and I will be attending a performance by Sir András Schiff today. The audience will be filled with pianists and learners of all ages, who will surely leave inspired to rush home and practice.

If I can assist you in your dream of playing the piano, please 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