Elephant trainers in India tie a small rope around the leg of an adult elephant and then the elephant will not move more than a few feet in any direction, even though
Read MoreBach and his contemporaries considered themselves to be ARTISANS who crafted music for specific occasions and purposes. Bach improvised, arranged, and composed music
Read MoreA few years ago, I visited a private school where a friend was teaching fourth grade. I improvised a duet at a piano with each of the twenty kids in turn using various Patterns from my books. The other kids danced
Read MoreWhen I started teaching, I viewed myself as an instructor, someone with a program who planted information “in” a student. But now, I am nearly the opposite.
Read MoreI am writing to offer encouraging words to colleagues who may be wishing to make changes in the ways they teach, but are hesitant to do so. I’d like to
Read MoreWhen I give workshops on improvisation for teachers (whether classical or jazz), one idea is particularly difficult
Read MoreWhen I was younger, I really struggled at the piano for a number of years. I just couldn’t do what I wanted to do! Finally, after a completely disastrous performance, I quit piano for an entire year. As a result of these early traumas,
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