How do I keep a steady tempo?

System overload! - too many notes, too much to read, and the next thing you know rhythm is flying out the window. Well..that’s the way it can feel for me at least.

One of my personal struggles is wanting to get to the end result quickly while working on a piece. I know how a piece should sound, but my brain and fingers just can’t keep up. I push the tempo and hit a wall and have to slow down. Albeit comical it’s a little like driving in traffic here in the Twin Cities, you get going and then have to stop, get going and stop…repeat the process.

My suggestion, have a little faith in yourself that you’ll get there, be patient, and slow down! In slowing a piece down you’ll at least have a little more time to think things through- notes, fingerings, sharps/flats, etc., and find a tempo that you can keep steady.

Do you need a metronome? I feel a metronome can be helpful, but I know a metronome can be a turn off for some. If this is the case, try moving, clapping, or speaking with a pulse, and then shut it off. The metronome or beat is there to set an immediate goal. If you are unable to keep up with your slow beat, try going slower, or try a smaller chunk to isolate and practice. Oh and if you need a metronome in a pinch, type metronome into a Google search, and off you go. Depending on the situation you might like to opt for some beat loops or you could create your own beat and loop it via the Garageband beat sequencer. I’ve used sampled drum beats from my keyboard while working with students- drum beats may better enhance the music more so than a metronome.

As you improve a section of a piece you may want to try to mix the tempo a bit. I feel it can be a good idea to do a slow - medium - and fast tempo, while working on a piece. That way you’re working on that physical and mental preparation and hopefully growing in confidence as you do so.

Best of luck!

GarageBand Fun..

I wanted to demonstrate how to use a GarageBand loop to work on theory and technique, but also nurture the creative spirit. This particular piece uses a C 5 finger scale (C D E F G) which is a beginning position for budding pianists. With it, one can start to develop an understanding in theory and technique, while starting to gain confidence and facility.

In simple terms I chose a loop from GarageBand and then laid tracks over the loop. I copied the loop and tracks to extend it and voilà!

The theory component teaches that a major scale is comprised of the following steps: whole - whole - half - whole. Use those steps starting from any note and you have a major scale.

The technical component can really cover a lot of principles, but for starters, it might involve keeping the fingers curved while keeping the wrist level, but not locked.

Hope you enjoy the groove!

Fall is in the Air..

Labor Day has come and gone and soon the leaves will be changing colors here in Minnesota. For some, the start of school and fall piano lessons might bring a familiar sense or beckon a new chapter.  For me, the cooling temperatures and the smell of a wood fire in the cool air brings a sense of charm to the season.  Be it digging out a comfy sweater, going for a chillier morning walk, the smell of apple pie, or looking out the apartment window and witnessing a colorful transformation in foliage, you might experience an assortment of pleasantries.  

Regardless of these musings, I wanted to share with you with a picture of a blooming dahlia from my garden, and an elementary piano piece that I recently composed.  Join my mailing list to download your copy of the piece, and wishing you all a wonderful start to the fall!

Set-up and Preparation for Online Zoom Lessons

So I wanted to take some time to discuss preparation and set-up for online Zoom lessons. This is an interesting topic because everyone’s home and space is different. What might work for me might not work for everyone, but I feel there are some main points to be addressed.

One of the big questions right off the bat is how should I place my camera for the best angle for my instructor to view my keyboard? For your reference I’ve posted a picture of my setup which is taken at a pretty good angle for others to view.

In general you want a view that is elevated with a view of the profile. To achieve this position you might be able to get by with a nearby bookshelf or household furnishing for camera placement (please do so safely!), depending on what device you are using. If you happen to have a music stand, these can be quite handy for height, mobility, and adjustments. If you have the budget you may want to look for a phone, or tablet mount that has an adjustable gooseneck for maneuverability, or even a ring light with a tablet or smartphone mount. A direct overshot view of your fingers isn’t terrible, but it doesn’t give the best view for a teacher to help with finger shape, and wrist movement. A camera at hand or keyboard level isn’t the worst position either, but it can make it more difficult in communicating with youngsters on finger placement.

What equipment do I need? Really all you need is internet, and a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. For more elaborate set-ups you may prefer a snowball or condenser mic, mic stand, ring light, headphones, audio interface, etc. I suggest giving a search on each to see if they might be a cool fit for you and worth their value.

For those who may need help joining a Zoom Meeting- here is a short video to get you started.

I’d recommend a parent or older family member being present for youngsters who are just starting off with online piano. This isn’t necessarily a permanent arrangement, but helpful in fostering and preparing a positive learning environment for your child at the start. It may be as simple as having someone check in periodically, at the end of the lesson, or nearby for the initial start before making an exit. For youngsters I think it can be beneficial for getting a hand using technology and helping to set learning expectations.

Lastly, I recommend giving yourself a little extra time before lesson to make sure your device(s), mic, and camera are working properly. Here is a link to join a Zoom Test Meeting. Remember sometimes internet can be finicky - don’t forget you can always switch off your camera if the connection seems poor. And if you are experiencing technical difficulties I recommend emailing the instructor and keeping them in the loop.

Composing for Fun

Sometimes you need to mix it up, and composing is just the ticket. You can start with trying to use a new concept from a lesson or maybe something totally new, say a new scale, arpeggio, or some Alberti bass. What a way to engage concepts and sounds from your pieces or studies into something of your own!

I don’t think you have to worry about right or wrong, but for myself I like to try and start with some parameters. Maybe you want to try a chord progression you like, or maybe start with a melody that’s to your liking. If that doesn’t work how about an emotion? Feeling blue or happy? Use this as a benchmark as you get started. You could also choose a rhythm, I suggest starting simple- a steady quarter pulse for instance. Maybe you’d like to try your hand at imitation- one hand plays and the other imitates in return. Remember it doesn’t have to be a symphony or the next hit single. The parameters you start with can grow, but can be helpful getting started.

Here’s a quote from Igor Stravinsky that I pulled from BrainyQuote: “The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees one's self. And the arbitrariness of the constraint serves only to obtain precision of execution.”

I’ve done some composing over the years, and can definitely relate to feeling overwhelmed, or frustrated when the muse has left town. But when the moment is right, or after pushing through that initial block, sometimes I’d like the evening to last a little longer, or that I had an extra battery pack for my own energy level. So next time you feel stuck with your own practicing, or need to mix it up, I’d invite you to give composing a shot. And if nothing happens right away- that’s ok! Maybe give it another try in a day or two.

Benefits of Online Lessons

So I’d like to take a moment to consider some of the benefits of online lessons. No this post isn’t about whether online is better than in-person. Online lessons aren’t necessarily for everyone. This post is merely to look at the benefits in the current times.

So why online? Arguably, online means less travel, less traffic, less pollution, easier scheduling, and keeping ourselves and loved ones away from germs. For those of us that like to travel it may open doors for taking lessons on the road, pack-up the keyboard, or while staying with distant family or friends, using their piano to take some lessons. It may allow parents to make dinner, take a break, or get something else done around the house.

One thing that I’ve valued thus far through this pandemic was having more time to spend in my own dwelling. I was lucky to be able to keep teaching, but also enjoy the space that I call home. Not to mention that I feel that my life and surroundings have felt more orderly. The pandemic has helped me put in perspective what I value: time with my family, not running around, and a greater enjoyment of my own space.

We have a three year old running around the house, a list of house projects, dishes, cleaning, weeds to pull, cooking, jobs, exercise… These aren’t things I despise doing, but with the greater flexibility of just being able to be home, these things seem a little less daunting, more manageable, and lead to greater enjoyment.

So with one less thing to run to, maybe there’s a little more time for a hobby or two, or even a new creative endeavor..