If you can see the lines on the pdf before printing, then you will need to open your printer or Adobe Reader preferences and locate something that says: "print as image". That will allow your printer to print what is displayed on the screen as a picture instead of trying to "interpret" it. Continue Reading
Piano Lessons and the Recession
Why piano lessons are the last thing you should give up if you're worried about the economy. In news reports about consumer confidence and spending trends during the recession, we're hearing about how people are planning to change their spending habits this year, if they haven't already. If you're feeling tempted to drop your piano lessons in an effort to save a few dollars, here are five reasons to reconsider: 1. Music represents beauty, and you need beauty even more during ugly times. In an entry about the benefits of music, Wikipedia states: "It is often thought that music has the ability to affect our emotions, intellect, and our psychology; lyrics can assuage our loneliness Continue Reading
Why is beginner music limited to 5-finger songs?
First of all, don't let that question scare you... in my curriculum you won't be limited to 5 finger songs... I have remedied that and you will be able to play some familiar songs right away. However, aside from my special "remedy" I do start with teaching you a few songs in the 5 finger position. The reason you won't find the songs you want to learn in an easy 5 finger format is because most songs have a broader reach of notes than just the 5 fingers. You won't get into the more familiar songs until you have increased your knowledge of notes. In a well thought out curriculum you will be introduced to reading notes a few at at time so that it is not overwhelming. Think of it like Continue Reading
How To Be Your Own Piano Teacher
Have you considered teaching yourself how to play the piano? Many people share the common belief, (including piano teachers), that it is not possible to teach yourself how to play the piano without developing bad habits. That belief might have been true years ago, but today there are piano methods that have been written specifically for those who want to learn piano from the comfort of their own home, on their own time schedule and without having to commit to a weekly private piano lesson. Online piano programs are gaining popularity and starting to be a preferred way to learn piano, especially for adults. The Most Common Concern About Teaching Yourself The most common concern Continue Reading
Piano Lessons: Smile Management
Here is a common concern I receive from students and thought I would address it to everyone here. Dear Lisa, I never smile when I practice. My sister says I am too tense. I am having difficulty learning, can you help me?...... Relax. You are concentrating too hard and not enjoying the learning process. Learn to be happy with every little step, no matter how little. Next time you sit down to play the piano, start with a smile and tell yourself that even though I might not be playing the way I want to yet, I am still playing and enjoying the journey to get there. Think of where you were before you starting learning piano, and tell yourself that everytime you play, you are Continue Reading
5 Easy Piano Goals for the New Year
It's that time of year again! People all over the world are making commitments to lose weight, eat healthier, drink less, quit smoking, work better and relax more. Now is also a great time to get into some better routines with your piano playing. Here are 5 easy ways to expand your musical life in the coming year. 1. Practice for at least 10 minutes, at least 3 times a week. Yes, daily practice is ideal – but when you're aiming for 3 times a week you're more likely to hit the mark, and anything you do more is a bonus. 2. Play your favorite song, at least 3 times a week. Sometimes we forget that piano playing is supposed to be fun. We may hold off on what we love to play or what Continue Reading