May
6

By

Donald Waxman’s “Piano Pageants, Book 1A” Piano Play-Along: Post Four (Pages 24-35)

Category: Donald Waxman, Piano Play-Along, Recommended Music Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

3Enjoyed chatting with you this week about Pages 24-35 via Periscope and Facebook Live.  Hurry and add your comment on each of the 3 sections of the book HERE so you’ll be entered in the FINAL GIVEAWAY on Tuesday, May 10.  *Comments are due by 8AM Central on May 10. I will announce the 3 winners that day at 10AM Central during the LIVE broadcast.  You don’t have to be present to win.

I hope you’ve enjoyed watching the blog posts in action via LIVE video.  Sure makes it easier than writing everything I want to say!

PDF Download IconThe PDF study guide for the video below is HERE. If you don’t have the book or PDF in front of you right now, it’s OK.  I play through each piece on the video and you can follow along easily. Read More

Apr
27

By

Donald Waxman’s “Piano Pageants, Book 1A” Piano Play-Along: Post Three (Pages 12-23)

Category: Donald Waxman, Piano Play-Along, Pianoscopes, Recommended Music Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

2Here’s the Live Broadcast for this week’s discussion of Pages 12-23.  Thanks to all of you viewing the Replay here or on the Facebook page.  The PDF study guide for the video below is HERE. If you don’t have the book or PDF in front of you, it’s OK.  On this video I play through each piece so you can follow along easily. Scroll to 4:30 to get right to the content.

The pieces in this set became more substantial and less rudimentary, but that’s to be expected with a primer of progressive pieces. What were your favorites from this selection?  Please comment below in the REPLY section and add other observations, too.  Each comment earns you a ticket for the FINAL GIVEAWAY – 3 nice prizes mailed directly to you!  One comment per blog post is the max. Read More

Apr
20

By

Donald Waxman’s “Piano Pageants, Book 1A” Piano Play-Along: Post Two (Pages 1 -11)

Category: Donald Waxman, Giveaways, Piano Play-Along, Pianoscopes, Recommended Music Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

2Was thrilled! to chat with all of you yesterday on the LIVE broadcast.  Thanks for joining in and to all of you REPLAY viewers as well.  Below is the REPLAY for any who missed it.   The PDF study guide for the video below is HERE (covers pages 1-11).  I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts and receiving feedback yesterday.  Be sure to add your thoughts and comments about Pages 1 -11 below to share with other teachers .  There’s never enough time for posting on the broadcast. Definitely share your one-sentence description of the book (how you’d describe it to a teacher) and tell me what you thought of these initial primer-level pieces.  What did you love?  What did you learn?

PDF Download IconHere’s the PDF download with the discussion points for Pages 12-23.  Just make quick notes in the margin of your book. Remember to tune in to the LIVE broadcast at 10AM Central next Tuesday, April 26.

Don’t have the book yet?  See below. Not too late to get started.  You’ll probably receive the book in the mail before next Tuesday.

Please try, try to join the Periscope broadcast if you can, because it allows me to interact with you a bit more, but if you prefer Facebook LIVE that’s OK, too.   Invite friends to come join us so they’ll learn all about a Piano Play-Along.  If they’re not on Facebook, tell them to try Periscope on their mobile phone/tablet.  Info just below.

TO BUY the BOOK at a 20% discount, go HERE.

SEE the FULL PLAY-ALONG SCHEDULE HERE.

TO VIEW on FACEBOOK:  Go to facebook.com/pianoteachercamp.  LIKE the page and sign up for Notifications (either “default” or “see first”)

TO VIEW on PERISCOPE:  The Periscope app is FREE for your mobile device.  Read about how to download it HERE.

piano_periscope_icon_mThe little buttons at the top left of this post will allow you to SHARE with your friends. See you on TUESDAY at 10AM CENTRAL!

Apr
16

By

Donald Waxman’s “Piano Pageants, Book 1A” Piano Play-Along: Post One (Discussion Starter)

Category: Donald Waxman, Giveaways, Piano Play-Along Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

2So excited about the April Play-Along!  We just kicked it off today with both a Periscope and Facebook Live broadcast.  A first for me! Great to see all of you who were able to join in.   If you missed it, you can view the REPLAY BELOW.   You’ll learn what to prepare for our First Discussion next TUES, April 19, at 10AM Central on Periscope and Facebook Live.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts LIVE!  And tell your teacher friends – it’s not too late to join.

PDF Download IconHere’s the PDF download with the discussion points for Tuesday’s broadcast.  Just make notes in the margin of your book. Simple thoughts are OK.  The pdf will guide you.  And if you don’t have the book yet, please join us anyway.  You’ll be able to get the gist of it even without the book for now.

Please try, try to join the Periscope broadcast if you can, because it allows me to interact with you a bit more, but if you prefer Facebook LIVE that’s OK, too.   Just be sure to comment and let me know that you’re there! 🙂

TO BUY the BOOK at a 20% discount, go HERE.

SEE the FULL PLAY-ALONG SCHEDULE HERE.

TO VIEW on FACEBOOK:  Go to facebook.com/pianoteachercamp.  LIKE the page and sign up for Notifications (either “default” or “see first”)

TO VIEW on PERISCOPE:  The Periscope app is FREE for your mobile device.  Read about how to download it HERE.

piano_periscope_icon_mThe little buttons at the top left of this post will allow you to SHARE with your friends. See you on TUESDAY at 10AM CENTRAL!

 

 

Apr
13

By

April 2016 PIANO PLAY-ALONG: Donald Waxman’s PIANO PAGEANTS, Book 1A

Category: Donald Waxman, Giveaways, Piano Play-Along Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Begins April 19 - Click Piano Play-Along above!FROM APRIL 16  thru MAY 6 (approximately), we’ll all be studying/playing Book 1A from Donald Waxman’s beloved series “Piano Pageants”  Click HERE for all the info you need to get started and learn about the purpose of the Play-Along.  There’s no sign-up, but start now by purchasing or locating your copy of the book.

1-3122NEED A COPY?  

We begin on April 16, so hurry and grab a discounted copy HERE or two!  Use CODE:  APRILPLAY to receive 20% off any no. of copies.  If your book arrives after we begin, no worries. You can still watch the LIVE broadcasts on April 16 & 19 and review the summary blog post later.

WATCH THIS video explanation of the Play-Along (it came from a Periscope!) Read More

Feb
10

By

MusicEdConnect Giveaway Winners Announced and Replay Passes Now Available!

Category: Conferences, Giveaways Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

MEC Graphic

Did you attend the 3rd annual MusicEdConnect Webinar last week?  The feedback was wonderful and it looks as if this online conference will continue.  What can be better than attending 26 sessions LIVE, or in REPLAY mode from now until Dec. 31, 2016? And all from the comfort of your own home via your computer or mobile device.

Thanks to those of you who were able to attend my session “A Quick Guide to the Most Popular Piano Classics Students LOVE to Play”  I gave a tour of original piano classics that students really gravitate towards and I hope the session will assist you in making repertoire decisions for students with discerning tastes.  It’s always a fine line, right? — what we think is good for them and what they’d prefer to play.  This is just a small part of a more in-depth guide I’m working on that will help teachers know what to teach and when, and it will offer clues on what students find the most rewarding in a particular piece.

If you missed the webinar it’s not too late to access a replay of all 26 sessions by 26 different presenters. Anyone can register for the replay pass (and should) as it was amazing and such a great value.  I cannot believe how many tips and info were shared!  The replay pass is $129. Register HERE and you’ll have immediate access to all the videos now thru Dec. 31, 2016.  Tell your friends!   Giveaway-WinnersNOW …. for those MusicEdConnect participants who listened to my session last THURS, Feb. 4, and then hopped over to the blog here with a reply ….  DRUM ROLL please…..

PPLogoFinalYou EACH win a DISCOUNT COUPON CODE for one of my digital publications at www.pianopassport.com!  You’ll have a chance to check out one of my newest publications for teaching.  It’s a small assortment so far, but there’s a good variety to select from.  HINT:  I suggest my late elementary version of Clair de Lune.  I think it works really well for those students who just can’t wait to play this beautiful melody, especially adults.

WINNERS:  Judy K., Rosemarie P., Renee S., Kathy S., and Melanie

Congratulations to you all.  I will be emailing the code to each of you shortly.

Thanks to OnlineSheetMusic.com for providing this coupon!

 

 

 

 

 

Nov
25

By

NEW Periscope Piano Workshops Coming!

Category: Pianoscopes Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

 Piano Tips in 10 minutes
Since I began using Periscope as both a broadcaster and a viewer, I’ve been amazed at how this LIVE broadcasting technology brings a worldwide community together simply at the touch of a finger on your phone or tablet.  With input from a few blog followers, I’ve decided to start a new Periscope “mini piano workshop” series beginning on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 10am Central Time.
I invite you to join me for #PianoTipsin10 (aka Piano Tips in 10 minutes), a weekly series designed specifically to provide solutions to pain points we often encounter when teaching.   I will offer you my own time-tested teaching strategies, but the beauty of Periscope is that we  ALL benefit from interaction with each other via the comments.  I hope we all take away fresh ideas and renewed energy.

Because we are teachers with incredibly BUSY schedules, I will limit the workshop to just 10 concise minutes on one single topic.  However after the 10 minute period, feel free to stick around a bit longer for some Q&A if you like.  Even if you can’t join the LIVE presentation, the “scope” will remain on your Periscope account for 24 hours so you may view it at a convenient time later.

Here’s my working list of pain points so far:

  1. Reinforcing a Rounded Hand Position at the Piano
  2. Collapsed nail joints
  3. Flying pinky fingers
  4. Accuracy with Rhythmic Subdivisions
  5. Hands-Together Precision
  6. Introducing Legato for the First Time
  7. Refusal to count

and so forth……

What are the burning pain points in your studio this semester?  Please feel free to list one or two I could consider by commenting below.  The more, the better!

NEW to PERISCOPE?   Click HERE to learn how to download the FREE app to your phone or tablet (available on Apple and Android) and be sure to FOLLOW my account “@pianoprof88” with Notifications ON.  You’ll get a “tweet alert” when I go LIVE.  You can view it in watch-only mode on the web here: https://www.periscope.tv/pianoprof88  but I encourage you to download the app to your smartphone so you can comment, give hearts, etc.

FOR ADVANCE NOTIFICATION of my Scopes, please do one of the following:

1.  Subscribe to this blog on the sidebar to the right.
2.  Follow me on Twitter — @egpiano
3.  Visit “Piano Camp for Piano Teachers” on Facebook, LIKE the fan page, and click GET NOTIFICATIONS.

   **** SHARE this POST with your TEACHER FRIENDS!****

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to ALL!

 

Nov
12

By

PERISCOPE WINNERS!

Category: Pianoscopes, Recommended Music Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

Periscope Winners

WINNERS! Thank all of you for watching my latest scope on “Elementary Music for Boys and Animal Lovers” and also for the sweet comments about my elementary solo sheets.  As promised, new followers were placed into a drawing for 2 packets of my music, one larger and one smaller.  The winners are 1. Betty Lawson and 2. Joyce Harwood!  I will get your prizes to you as soon as we connect.  Please email me at elizabeth@pianoteachercamp.com if you read this post first.

Thanks to everyone who watched, even via the web or on the replay at katch.me.  The REPLAY is still available HERE.  (and you can rewind/fast forward!)

I’m dreaming up new scopes to solve pain points for working piano teachers.  Piano teachers are some of the busiest people on the planet, so I will definitely be “katching” them for your viewing after they expire on Periscope and summarizing some here on the blog.  I’ll keep some of these scopes short and right-to-the-point.

HOWEVER….. the best feature is having YOU on Periscope interacting with me and other teachers LIVE on the scope.  We all learn so much from each other, right?  So, if you haven’t downloaded the FREE Periscope app (Apple or Android mobile devices), please do and FOLLOW me @pianoprof88.  My name will have a little keyboard next to it. And set your Notifications to ON.

I hope you can view LIVE from time to time.  I’ll try to mix up days/times as I am able.

All best!

 

Nov
4

By

NEW! Gutierrez Piano Music is Now on the Blog!

Category: Pianoscopes, Recommended Music Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Gutierrez Music on BlogTeachers have been asking me to place all my educational piano pieces in one place on the blog and finally it’s done! When you click on SHOP on the menu above, you’ll see 3 categories: Ebooks, Sheet Music, and Sheet Music Downloads.

Under SHEET MUSIC, you’ll see all the hard-copy material published under my name — sheet solos, collections, and one reference book. You can click each title and read a description of the work and see a page view in most instances. So have fun browsing and if you find something of interest to you, you can certainly order direct from the blog (via Sheet Music Plus), but I urge you to order copies from your local sheet music retailer. Please support them whenever you can. They are such an important asset to the future of music in our communities and we need to keep them in business.

Stay tuned for upcoming Ebooks and Sheet Music Downloads. I’ll reveal those goodies soon. Be sure to subscribe to the blog off to right to stay updated.

Gutierrez Music PeriscopeTo celebrate the launch of the SHOP, I’ll be doing a LIVE Periscope Piano Workshop on Monday Nov. 9 at 10:00am CENTRAL featuring my early elementary and elementary piano pieces.  A few have been listed on the NFMC Junior Festival list before and are perennial favorites with boys especially.  I’ll play the pieces, discuss the principle teaching concepts for each, and tell you when you could introduce them if you’re using one of the popular piano methods.

WHAT’S PERISCOPE, did you say? — it’s a new app for Android and IOS phones and tablets that allows you to watch LIVE broadcasts for free.  You download the FREE app, create a quick profile for yourself, and “follow” a few folks whom you’d like to view whenever they broadcast.  And you can broadcast too!

TO JOIN PERISCOPE:

1.   If you’re on your mobile phone or tablet right now, click on the little “pianoprof88” button off to the right on the sidebar and it should take you to the Periscope app for download and then you can “FOLLOW” me.

or

2. Download the FREE Periscope app on your phone or tablet from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).  Use your cell phone# or your Twitter account to sign up (use Twitter if you have it).  Set Notifications to “ON.”  Create your account and choose your @name.  Post a photo of yourself and bio on your profile when you get the chance.  Search for me “@pianoprof88″  and FOLLOW.  Whenever I’m about to broadcast, you’ll hear and see a little tweet alert on your device.

See you on the scope!

Side Note: To those of you who are already following me on Periscope, please follow me now on @pianoprof88 instead of the old account @pianoprof.  I had to change to a new account for good reasons.  On Monday, I’ll hop on the old account and alert you to follow me at the new account just in case.  Thanks!

 

 

 

Oct
20

By

Benda’s “Sonatina in A minor” Piano Play-Along: Post Four (Take-Aways)

Category: Benda, Piano Play-Along Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

3
Hope you all enjoyed the Benda A Minor Sonatina Play-Along.  Even if you weren’t able to stay on schedule while it was happening, the beauty of a Play-Along is that you can jump in anytime even after the scheduled Play-Along has ended.   Make any Piano Play-Along our own self-guided project to learn a new piece and gain a little more insight about it.  But remember Play-Alongs are community projects also.  I want to hear your thoughts about the pieces whenever you “play-along”.    So….. practice a little, read a blog post along the way for insight, maybe make a comment on your findings, practice a little again, read another blog post, comment, etc.

I’m still hearing from folks who are reading along with the Kabalevsky Play-Along from last year.  I enjoy reading the comments and returning to the score to investigate someone else’s finding or suggestions. 🙂

BENDA INFOGRAPHIC

A little info about Benda to share with students…..

My take-aways from the Benda Play-Along:

  • This is a deservedly-popular and beloved piece for student pianists because of its engaging musical characteristics.  It offers tuneful melodies, dramatic harmonies, and finger-tickling toccata-style goodness with every measure.
  • The fact that it’s short, yet full of interesting twists and turns makes it appealing to students and its show-stopper quality is appealing to audiences as well.  Makes you wish there was more of it once it’s over.
  •  Excellent study in rhythm and part-writing for an aspiring intermediate pianist and offers opportunity to explore a good range of the keyboard.
    The student will have to count like a fiend and absorb many details in articulation, but the pay-off is worth it.
  •  I find that students continue to play this piece on their own even long after they’ve completed it.  That’s a good sign of a mesmerizing piece…..
  •  Studying the Supraphon edition at imslp.org was quite revealing.  It was surprising to see how over-edited this piece has become through the years and how inaccuracies have prevailed in student editions.
  • I think a NEW student edition is in order, one that reflects Benda’s first edition more accurately with added notes to students about pedaling, accurate distribution of the voices, repeats, etc.

I’m going to prepare a new student-friendly edition for the Piano Passport catalog, and include a short learning guide for mastery of the more difficult technical areas.  How does that sound?  More teachers and students should have quick access to this wonderful piece!

Please pipe in with your take-aways below…. would love to hear your thoughts.
Until next time!

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