Do you want to be better at piano touch? Do you need help learning how to interpret a piece of music? The term piano touch covers the different ways you strike the key to get certain effects. Carl Seashore, in Piano Touch, states, “The pianist has at his direct control only two of four factors in music: namely intensity and time” (360). Read more to answer the question, “How do I improve my touch on piano?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Do you have a hard time recreating on the synth the xylophone sounds from your favorite world music? Do you want to know how to tune the African balafon? The tuning and tone color of an instrument are closely tied together. Keep reading to get info and tips for synthesizing an African balafon style xylophone sound. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
“Please explain vowel modification to me like I’m a 5 year old.” Vowel modification helps you get a good vocal tone, so you can raise your singing to the next level. It’s an essential technique to master if you want to reach your full potential, because singing is all about vowels. Read more to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Do you want your autistic child to play piano? Or are you an adult with autism who’s wondering if piano would be a good fit? Playing piano brings a lot of benefits beyond just the fun of playing music. Read more to find out the answer to the question, “Is playing the piano a suitable activity for autistic people?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
“Why is classical music interpreted differently from pop music?” Interpretation has a very important role in performing classical music. This doesn’t mean that interpretation can’t be important in pop music. However, classical artists seem to be very aware of the process of how to interpret a piece of music. You can be too. Read more to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Are you confused about the difference between the root and the tonic in music theory? Some musicians treat the terms root and tonic as if they were interchangeable. However, they have different, but equally important roles in music theory. Click to learn the difference between the tonic vs. root in music theory. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Would you like to introduce your kid to piano? (Or are you a music teacher who has a student with learning difficulties?) Multisensory teaching methods will help! Click to learn about playing piano with color coded left hand notes and rhythm. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Do you want to sing Eastern European folk melodies and mediaeval chants? Are you puzzled about how the aeolian mode works? Modes have been a feature of music from ancient times to today. Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies lets you explore the exotic sound of the aeolian mode. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
“What advice do you have for a pianist in jazz band?” Piano in middle school and high school jazz band can be challenging. Jazz is chromatic and modulates often. This means that piano teachers will have to have a plan of attack. Click if you need advice for teaching a first year high school jazz pianist. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Have you ever wondered how Eastern European vocalists sing polyphony in parallel 2nds? Do you want to know how world music works? Understanding world music involves stepping outside your own perspective and seeing from the world musician’s point of view instead. Click to answer the question, “How do you sing Eastern European vocal harmony in 2nds by ear?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.