Did you ever wonder how people teach ear training? To a select few, this comes naturally. But the rest of us need a little help! That’s right, I’m no natural, But read on to learn the secret that helped me learn to read music without a piano nearby. When I was in uni, we learned a series of […]
Ear Training with Henry Read More »
Last week a visitor praised the joyful singing of our church children in the worship service. You may assume we sang something easy and child friendly, but the contrary was true. The first anthem of the morning burst forth as “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”. Brimpton Baptist Church, seating less than 80 people
Children in the Worship Service Read More »
“Mom, I can’t remember if my thumb is 5 or 1!” my oldest child said to me only last week. My third child also struggles to remember finger numbers on her beginner piano pieces. So I decided to try making some gloves that the children could slip on if they forget. Here is a tutorial on how to
Piano Fingering Gloves Tutorial Read More »
Listening and blending with other singers was a challenge when I first arrived at choir practice a few years ago. You see, I grew up in the USA, married an Englishman, spent time in Northern Ireland picking up an awesome local accent, spent a year in the north of England, and finally moved back “home”
Blending Voices in the Volunteer Choir Read More »
Often in a volunteer choir setting, we get so tied up between notes, blending, rhythm, and breathing that we completely forget to communicate through our facial expressions. Facia espresso…what’s that? Let me give you a couple of examples.
Facial Expressions in the Volunteer Choir Read More »
“Did you practice the piano this week?” I asked my children, knowing full well that I hadn’t heard much music happening here in our house. “I can’t remember. I think I did. . . a few days ago.” It’s not that my kids don’t know they need to practice. I even bought them special piano
Piano Practice Printable Read More »
There are many different styles and abilities of the Church Pianist. Some are experienced, others play only out of necessity, and I’m sure an infinite number of abilities between these two. Today I’d like to discuss the role of the smallest pianist, the child who may, if given the chance, be your very own church pianist in a few years.
The Church Pianist: Mini Version Read More »
I never wanted a Clavinova when I was beginning piano lessons. In fact, I started playing the piano when I was 8 on a pretty little upright that my parents bought for my older brother. After a few years we graduated to a baby grand. Thus began our family joke that our boat, new car,
I never wanted a Clavinova Read More »
