The real job of a piano teacher
Thursday, June 13, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
→ A piano teacher’s real job is not what you think.
👀 We teach notes, scales & counting… those who have talent succeed, right?
WRONG. Success at the piano does not depend on talent, it depends on tools.
🍒 A teacher’s job is not to decide who has the potential to be a “successful pianist”. Their job is to find a way to give each student the necessary tools to reach that potential.
♡ Tell me: What tools are you most interested in (wipe to slide 3)?
How to cover Coldplay and other Pop for Ambient Piano
Thursday, May 9, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
🥂 Weddings, cocktails or study vibes - this is what you need for a good ambient pop arrangement:
1️⃣ ALWAYS use a lead sheet. It’s just more efficient. Sheet music limits your imagination, chord charts require don’t have the melody.
2️⃣ FEEL the song vibe at a relaxed tempo to find a good rhythm groove. Use the chord chart to find a chord pattern that is SIMILAR to the original, but relaxed, groovy or smooth.
3️⃣ ADD 7ths, 9ths (2nds) & 11ths (4ths)! Colorful chord extensions soften the sound and add a dreamy quality.
4️⃣ PLAY WITH MELODY. Change octaves strategically. Add lush harmony underneath when you want a big sound or just a simple single harmony note to be more subtle.
👉 Get coaching on your next piano cover arrangement. DM me or comment!
Arranging songs on piano for special events: "Summer," by Joe Hisaishi.
Thursday, May 2, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
💍Have you ever daydreamed about walking down the aisle… to the ABSOLUTE PERFECT MUSIC?
🎶This afternoon was about arranging a processional of the beautifully joyful, elegant and delightful piece entitled "Summer" by
✨I just love imagining how each note will punctuate the bride’s beautiful moment for the couple’s unforgettable day!!
🤔What song would YOU want to arrange for a special event?
🧐Do you know how to get started? What's your process?
♡Let me know in the comments!!
Should kids learn by ear... online??
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Student Spotlight
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Learning Don't Stop Beliving Riff in 5 minutes.
Thursday, April 25, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
How to learn the “Don’t Stop Believing” riff, in 5 minutes, learning by ear.
Mayana did it last week in our online piano lessons! Incredible.
1. We got the chords. (E, B, C#m, G#m; E, B, G#m, A)
2. We learned the pattern. (3 solid chords x 3 bass notes, alternating)
3. We mastered the twist at the end! (3 slow solid chords)
Want to see the riff for yourself? Comment RIFF to get an overhead view of the riff, live from class.
ALERT: Unpopular Opinion... I'm a better teacher for teaching online!
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 by Becky Reesor | From Becky
♡ Unpopular opinion: I am a better teacher for teaching online.
→ When our online learning world changed in 2020, I had no idea what had been missing from my teaching.
→ → At the heart of it, I am many times a better & more efficient communicator. I can’t point so I must precisely explain. I can’t manipulate a students’ technique so I must teach them how to feel it themselves. I can’t mark their scores so I must guide them through their own score analysis. All the while, building more independent learners and making myself a better teacher.
→ → → Also realities: Practice notes are more detailed and created interaction with students (I type & format infinitely faster/neater than I write). Students have many more workshops and performance events per session because it’s EASY & PRACTICAL to hop online and perform. Students develop intense listening & feedback skills via duets and hearing themselves on video.
👉🏽 Ready to take charge of your music making? Go ahead & send me a contact message.👈🏻
March Newsletter 2024
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
Community Highlights from Winter 2024 in the Studio.
PEEK into Open Mic
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
🎙️🎙️Last week’s open mic was 100% a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Take a peek!!
👉 Want to be on the list for next time? All ages, levels, styles & instruments are welcome.
🎹 This time we had all piano-players.. and check us out! So fun!! 🤩
How I teach kids to improvise at the piano
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
Piano & Your Community Support
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 by Becky Reesor | Uncategorized
To tell you the truth, hard work isn’t the only key to piano success.
Maybe send a thank you text to someone who supports your music journey.
